Microelectrode Dielectric Removal Via UV Laser

The objective of our research is to demonstrate the application of ultraviolet (UV) laser ablationtechnology as an improved alternate to either local heating, ac arcing or plasma etching in the selectiveremoval of Parylene from neurophysiological microelectrodes. Phase I will perfect, quantify anddemonstrate the technique necessary for selective paralene removal from microelectrodes, as well asits accuracy and repeatability. The probes would then be evaluated electrically and mechanically andcompared to results obtained by existing methods. Although Phase I would first concentrate on singlesite probes furnished by Queens University, part of the work would be devoted to multiple site planarprobes to be furnished by the University of Michigan. Phase I should provide the impetus, insight anddirection to be developed in a larger scale manufacturability methods and biocompatibility studyundertaken as a Phase II project.