Fabrication and performance of the light switchable microelectrode array for retinal prosthesis

The light switchable microelectrode array (LSMEA) is a conceptual retinal prosthetic device proposed in our previous work and probable to restore a certain degree of vision for the blind. In this paper, an implantable LSMEA is fabricated. The impedance performance of this device in electrolyte in vitro is characterized for the first time, with or without light exposure. It shows that the impedance amplitude of LSMEA is able to reach the same order of magnitude as that of Au electrodes. This implies that LSMEA can perform similar electrical functions as traditional metal MEA in addition to its unique advantages, which makes it attractive for retinal prosthesis usage.