[2017; already taken] Wireless powering of a neural stimulator using ultrasound

Wireless power of a neural stimulator using ultrasound

Electroceuticals are the electronic counterparts of pharmaceuticals and treat patients for muscular, cardiac and neurological disorders by means of electricity. They already exist in the form of cardiac pacemakers, defibrillators, cochlear implants, retinal implants, vestibular implants, spinal cord implants, etc. However, current devices are stiff, heavy, bulky and stubborn. Future electroceuticals need to be smaller, more power efficient, flexible and adjust their therapy to the therapeutical needs of the patients wearing them.

In this project, we wish to take electroceuticals to the next level, by remotely powering them using ultrasound.

Assignment

This work builds upon current work in the Bioelectronics Section, where we use ultrasound to power a neural stimulator implant. In this project, we will be looking further into at several aspects related to this concept. More specifically, we will be looking at investigating different types of transducers, optimizing the link between ultrasound transmitter and receiver and fabricating the transmitter and receiver modules.

This can be offered to a group of students (1-3) working together towards a larger system, each focusing on different aspects of it, depending on individual interests and backgrounds.

Requirements

Interested students should contact Dr. Vasiliki Giagka by sending an email expressing their interest in the project. The email should also contain the following: CV, list of courses you have attended so far and grades obtained, courses you are planning to take in the future, and more importantly a motivation letter explaining why you are interested in the project, and which part you feel comfortable working on.

Contact

dr. Vasiliki Giagka

Bioelectronics Group

Department of Microelectronics

Last modified: 2019-04-14