Lightsheet

MicroLEDs and capacitive electrodes integrated on flexible thin-films

Optical stimulation with densely interspersed electrodes. The best of both worlds on one flexible substrate.

Originally developed for the retina, Science's Lightsheet technology is a versatile platform for neural stimulation and recording with extensive applications in neuroscience and beyond.

Our Lightsheet-optogenetic gene therapy combination system is under development as a potential treatment for retinal degenerative diseases, but can be made in almost any form factor. Lightsheet processes are available through Science Foundry under our Thin Film Electronics Process Design Kits for our partners.

Scanning electron microscope image of an array of electrodes and microLEDs on a thin film.

Lightsheet devices work in conjunction with opsins to activate or inhibit nearby neurons. They can be fabricated as planar arrays, wrapped around a depth probe, or even with release structures for 3D geometries.

A colorized render of a spiky-looking protein nanoparticle

A protein nanoparticle delivers a gene to targeted cells to make them sensitive to a specific wavelength of light.

A diagram of a microLED array curving to conform to the retina.

The Lightsheet is surgically placed on the newly sensitized cells and uses wireless microLEDs embedded in flexible thin-films to stimulate them.

Lightsheet sheet probes can be standalone or fabricated as part of a complete solution involving implantable electronics with wireless power and high-speed data transfer in a hermetic package.

Closeup of the Science Lightsheet.

MicroLEDs or electrodes, or any combination

The distal end is a flexible micron-thin sheet for conformal contact to tissue with minimal invasiveness.

Form Factor

The size of the implant is comparable to glaucoma shunts implanted every day, suitable for implantation in the eye, brain, or spinal cord.

Density

The density of microLEDs in the Lightsheet's array is over 8X higher than an iPhone 14 display.

Two integrated circuit designers working at a probe station in a brightly lit cleanroom.

Made by Science Foundry

The Lightsheet is built with Science Foundry's Thin Film Electronics Standard Technology. Science Foundry lets you leverage Science Corporation's advanced micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) fabrication capabilities for your own research and product development.

Science Foundry

Related Publications

Learn about the research supporting the Lightsheet technology.

bioRxiv, February 2023

A thin-film optogenetic visual prosthesis

Eric B Knudsen; Kara Zappitelli; Jennifer Brown; Jonathan Reeder; Kevin Sean Smith; Marat Rostov; Jaebin Choi; Amy Rochford; Nate Slager; Satoru K Miura; Kyle Rodgers; Ansel Reed; Yonatan R Lewis Israeli; Seton Shiraga; Kyung Jin Seo; Corey Wolin; Paul Dawson; Mohamed Eltaeb; Arvind Dasgupta; Max Rothman; Eugene Yoon; Paul Chong; Seleipiri Charles; Jay M. Stewart; Ruwan A Silva; Tyson Kim; Yifan Kong; Alan R Mardinly; Max Hodak