Chronically implanted hyperdrive for cortical recording and optogenetic control in behaving mice

Neural stimulation technology has undergone a revolutionary advance with the introduction of light sensitive ion channels and pumps into genetically identified subsets of cells. To exploit this technology, it is necessary to incorporate optical elements into traditional electrophysiology devices. Here we describe the design, construction and use of a “hyperdrive” capable of simultaneous electrical recordings and optical stimulation. The device consists of multiple microdrives for moving electrodes independently and a stationary fiber for delivering light to the tissue surrounding the electrodes. We present data demonstrating the effectiveness of inhibitory recruitment via optical stimulation and its interaction with physiological and behavioral states, determined by electrophysiological recording and videographic monitoring.