Validation of a novel three-dimensional electrode array within auditory cortex.

Three-dimensional electrode arrays have a variety of potential applications in the fields of both intracortical mapping as well as basic research studies designed to characterize and understand the physiology of the brain. While higher channels counts are desired in brain-machine interface applications, the ability to analyze synchronous data from multiple cortical locations, including various depths is pivotal to fully mapping the underlying neurophysiology of sensory cortices. Within this study, we present a proof of concept validation of a 3D probe technology consisting of 16 silicon shanks in a 4x4 grid arrangement with four electrode sites per shank. This 3D array has been implanted in a rat primary auditory cortex and electrophysiological data are presented showing the utility of electrode sites spanning multilateral cortical space as well as cortical depth.