ELECTRODE MATERIALS FOR RECORDING AND STIMULATION

Electrodes represent the direct interface between the biological tissue and the electronic system in neural prostheses. Within this chapter, the basic mechanisms at the electrode-electrolyte phase boundary are physico-chemically described and modeled in an equivalent circuit model with lumped parameters. Important measurement methods for electrode characterization are introduced. The most common recording and stimulation electrode materials are discussed with respect to their application. The chapter closes with an overview of novel techniques to optimize electrode properties with means of micro system technology.