Advanced optoelectronic devices for neuroscience

Advances in optogenetics and optical imaging techniques have progressively changed the approach used to record functional signals related to neural activity. Besides standard electrophysiology techniques, in the last 20 years the use of light sensitive molecular tools for triggering and monitoring brain functions increased the demand for the development of novel optoelectronic devices for light delivery, light collection, and electrical recording from the living brain. This goal can be achieved by combining different devices or integrating both optical and electrical elements on the same implantable probe. Here we review the latest advancements in this field with particular emphasis on fiber-based optrodes and non-planar manufacturing techniques.