초록 ▼

The present invention concerns a device and method for transmitting multiple optically-encoded stimulation signals to multiple stimulation sites, especially cell locations. The device uses a primary optical fiber to transmit specific wavelength components of an encoded light signal to output positio

The present invention concerns a device and method for transmitting multiple optically-encoded stimulation signals to multiple stimulation sites, especially cell locations. The device uses a primary optical fiber to transmit specific wavelength components of an encoded light signal to output positions along the fiber where they are coupled out of the primary fiber to stimulation sites via electrodes for electrical stimulation of the sites or optical windows and/or secondary optical fibers for photo-stimulation of sites.

대표청구항 ▼

The invention claimed is: 1. A stimulation device for transmitting stimulation information to a plurality of physiological stimulation sites in a body of a patient, said device comprising:light generating means for generating light having a plurality of wavelength components;encoding means for separ

The invention claimed is: 1. A stimulation device for transmitting stimulation information to a plurality of physiological stimulation sites in a body of a patient, said device comprising:light generating means for generating light having a plurality of wavelength components;encoding means for separately encoding at least a portion of said stimulation information into each of said wavelength components;a multiplexing arrangement for multiplexing said wavelength components encoded by the encoding means into an encoded light signal;a primary waveguide having an input end operationally connected to the multiplexing arrangement for receiving the encoded light signal therefrom, a light-guiding axis for guiding said encoded light signal therealong and an output end adapted to be implanted in the body of the patient proximate said stimulation sites, said output end having a plurality of output positions spatially distributed along said light guiding axis; andan outcoupling arrangement provided at said output end of the primary waveguide, said outcoupling arrangement being wavelength-sensitive for transversally coupling each of the wavelength components of the encoded light signal out of said primary waveguide at a different one of said output positions, each of said output positions to associated with one of said stimulation sites, said outcoupling arrangement transmitting the at least a portion of said stimulation information encoded in each wavelength component to the corresponding stimulation site through the associated output position.