Retinal Mesh Optoelectronics

Description

Retinal photoreceptors are tiny energy conversion systems, converting light into an electrochemical message interpreted by the brain. Photoreceptor degeneration leads to blindness in millions of people. Current implants harness photovoltaics that work in a comparable way. However, because the photodiodes they are based on fall short in terms of their technical performance, they cannot restore vision adequately. The ERC-funded MESHOPTO project will develop high-tech and efficient cellular-sized photovoltaic neural interfaces based on quantum dots and nanowires able to efficiently stimulate neurons. These will be integrated into tissue-like retinal implants – retinal mesh optoelectronics – for artificial vision. The project combines nanomaterial synthesis, device microfabrication and characterisation, primary neuron studies and in vivo experimental models of photoreceptor degeneration.