[论文解读] Ultra-sensitive graphene-based electro-optic sensors for optically-multiplexed neural recording

Zabir Ahmed, Xiang Li+4 more|arXiv (Cornell University)|Jan 7, 2026

Photoreceptor and optogenetics research被引用 0

一句话总结

本论文提出了一种基于石墨烯的电-光传感器，将超低幅值的神经电信号转化为光学调制，实现单波导上10传感器的光学复用与高信噪比神经记录。

ABSTRACT

Large-scale neural recording with high spatio-temporal resolution is essential for understanding information processing in brain, yet current neural interfaces fall far short of comprehensively capturing brain activity due to extremely high neuronal density and limited scalability. Although recent advances have miniaturized neural probes and increased channel density, fundamental design constraints still prevent dramatic scaling of simultaneously recorded channels. To address this limitation, we introduce a novel electro-optic sensor that directly converts ultra-low-amplitude neural electrical signals into optical signals with high signal-to-noise ratio. By leveraging the ultra-high bandwidth and intrinsic multiplexing capability of light, this approach offers a scalable path toward massively parallel neural recording beyond the limits of traditional electrical interfaces. The sensor integrates an on-chip photonic microresonator with a graphene layer, enabling direct detection of neural signals without genetically encoded optical indicators or tissue modification, making it suitable for human translation. Neural signals are locally transduced into amplified optical modulations and transmitted through on-chip waveguides, enabling interference-free recording without bulky electromagnetic shielding. Arrays of wavelength-selective sensors can be multiplexed on a single bus waveguide using wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM), greatly improving scalability while maintaining a minimal footprint to reduce tissue damage. We demonstrate detection of evoked neural signals as small as 25 $μ$V with 3 dB SNR from mouse brain tissue and show multiplexed recording from 10 sensors on a single waveguide. These results establish a proof-of-concept for optically multiplexed neural recording and point toward scalable, high-density neural interfaces for neurological research and clinical applications.

研究动机与目标

• 推动对可扩展的高密度神经记录的需求，这一需求超越传统的电接口。
• 提出在片上集成的电-光传感器，将光子微共振腔与石墨烯层结合，以将神经活动转化为光信号。
• 证明在小鼠脑组织中检测到约25 μV的微弱神经信号，信噪比3 dB。
• 通过在单一波导上使用波分复用（WDM）实现多传感器的复用记录。

提出的方法

• 将片上光子微共振腔与石墨烯层集成，实现直接的神经到光信号转导。
• 在局部将神经信号放大为适合通过片上波导传输的光调制。
• 采用波分复用，在单一总线波导上创建一系列波长选择性传感器阵列。
• 证明无需遗传指示物或组织改造即可实现光学介导的记录。
• 通过避免笨重的电磁屏蔽，达到无干扰的记录。

实验结果

研究问题

• RQ1 石墨烯基电-光传感器是否能够将超低幅值的神经信号转化为可检测的高信噪比光信号？
• RQ2 在不对组织进行修改的情况下，是否可在单一波导上使用WDM对多个石墨烯集成电-光传感器进行复用？
• RQ3 在脑组织中的片上石墨烯-电-光传感器中，所能达到的神经信号检测极限幅度是多少？
• RQ4 该系统是否能够实现可扩展的高密度神经记录，具备向人类应用转化的潜力？

主要发现

• 在小鼠脑组织中检测到约25 μV的诱发神经信号，信噪比为3 dB。
• 证明在单一波导上实现对10个传感器的复用记录。
• 为石墨烯基电-光传感器提供了光学复用神经记录的概念验证。
• 显示神经信号可在局部被转导并通过片上波导传输，且占用空间极小且无需遗传指示物。
• 确立了一条可扩展的发展路径，以实现高密度神经接口，超越传统电接口的限制。