Cerebral probe for contacting single cells - has retractable point electrode in gold cap, with ferrite base attracted by solenoid

摘要

This cerebral probe can access individual brain cells for monitoring electrical signals without risk by using a retractable point electrode within a gold cap. The electrode protrudes only about 50 micrometers and therefore cannot puncture any tissue. A thin tube (E) holds a micro-electrode (M1) and pre-amplifier chip (VV), and has a ferrite base (FE). When operated, this ferrite base is attracted by a solenoid (SP) thus pushing the bi-polar electrode (M1) through an opening in the gold cap (G). This movement is limited by the gap between the ferrite plate assembly and the base (K) of the outer probe housing.