Multimodal, Multisite Neuronal Recordings For Brain Research

Classical microelectrode recordings in animals' brains have come a very long way from already successful beginnings-from single metal microwires to bundled arrays, which may even include components other than electrical conducting leads. One or more wires of these bundles may possibly be replaced by glass fibers, thus providing the opportunity not only to record electrophysiologic data, but also to gain information from reflected optical parameters ahead of the multimodal probe.To push the technological envelope even further, glass fibers can be detachably connected to polymeric and flexible multisite recording and stimulation probes, thus allowing visually controlled implantation of chronically stable flexible probes.The combination of flexible probes and glass fibers will be found useful in deep brain navigation and optogenetics.