Self-Reset Image Sensor With a Signal-to-Noise Ratio Over 70 dB and Its Application to Brain Surface Imaging
Citation
Pakpuwadon T, Sasagawa K, Guinto MC, Ohta Y, Haruta M, Takehara H, Tashiro H and Ohta J (2021) Self-Reset Image Sensor With a Signal-to-Noise Ratio Over 70 dB and Its Application to Brain Surface Imaging. Front. Neurosci. 15:667932. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2021.667932
Keywords
- self-resetting
- CMOS image sensor
- implantable device
- high signal-to-noise ratio
- in vivo experiment
- intrinsic signal
- somatosensory cortex
- image processing
Brief
This article presents a new complementary-metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor with a self-resetting system that achieves a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of over 70 dB for detecting small intrinsic signals, such as brain activity, in freely moving animals.
Summary
This article presents a new CMOS image sensor designed for detecting small intrinsic signals like hemodynamic reactions and neural activity in a mouse brain. The sensor utilizes a self-resetting system to achieve a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
Here are the key features and findings of the study:
- Modified photodiode structure: The researchers modified the photodiode structure from N-well/P-sub to P+/N-well/P-sub. This increased the photodiode capacitance, leading to a reduction in the number of self-resets required and a decrease in the unstable stage.
- New relay board: A new relay board with improved performance was used.
- High SNR: The sensor achieved an effective SNR of over 70 dB within the same pixel size and fill factor.
- Reduced unstable state: The unstable state was drastically reduced, improving the sensor's ability to detect neural activity.
- Image processing: The researchers developed image processing techniques to reduce artifacts caused by the self-resetting system.
- In vivo imaging: The sensor was successfully used for in vivo imaging of a mouse brain, demonstrating its ability to detect blood flow and potentially other brain activities.
The researchers believe this compact device has significant potential as an intrinsic signal detector in freely moving animals. They suggest future applications could include intrinsic signal imaging and voltage-sensitive dye imaging.
Origin: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2021.667932/full