Main description:

This book provides readers with basic principles of the electrochemistry of the electrodes used in modern, implantable neural prostheses. The authors discuss the boundaries and conditions in which the electrodes continue to function properly for long time spans, which are required when designing neural stimulator devices for long-term in vivo applications. Two kinds of electrode materials, titanium nitride and iridium are discussed extensively, both qualitatively and quantitatively. The influence of the counter electrode on the safety margins and electrode lifetime in a two electrode system is explained. Electrode modeling is handled in a final chapter.

Contents:

Stimulation and recording electrodes: General concepts.- Irreversible and reversible redox reactions: Water window.- Charge balance and safe operation conditions.- Primary current distribution and electrode geometry.- Experiments hardware and methods.- Electrode materials: State-of-the-art and experiments.- The effect of the counter electrode on stimulation electrode lifetime.- Electrode modeling for titanium nitride, iridium and iridium oxide microelectrodes.- Summary.