Wireless Optoelectronic Neurostimulation of the Retina Using a Multilayer Organic Semiconductor Device

A multilayer organic semiconductor structure was developed for effective wireless stimulation of cells, including neurons. The parameters of the photovoltage and photocurrent generated on irradiation of the structure with short pulses of red light at a safe radiation intensity were studied. The effectiveness of multilayer organic semiconductor structures was confirmed by photostimulation of light-insensitive areas of the retina. An organic structure as small as 50 μm was found to be able to generate action potentials efficiently. These results support the conclusion that multilayer organic semiconductor device technology can not only achieve parity with modern silicon devices, but can also surpass them in terms of miniaturization and performance. The results obtained here are important for clinical medicine and research activities.