Microelectrode array fabrication by electrical discharge machining and chemical etching

Wire electrical discharge machining (EDM), with a complementary chemical etching process, is explored and assessed as a method for developing microelectrode array assemblies for intracortically recording brain activity. Assembly processes based on these methods are highlighted, and results showing neural activity successfully recorded from the brain of a mouse using an EDM-based device are presented. Several structures relevant to the fabrication of microelectrode arrays are also offered in order to demonstrate the capabilities of EDM. Index Terms--Brain-machine interface, electrical discharge machining (EDM), intracortical recording, microelectrode array, neural implant.