Finite Element Simulations of Effective Stimulated Volume in Rat Brain Optoelectronic Stimulation

Abstract This study presents a finite element model (FEM) simulation of optoelectronic stimulation in the rat brain, designed to investigate the effects of this emerging neural stimulation technique. A detailed 3D model of the rat brain and an equivalent circuit representation of the organic semiconductor-based stimulation device was used to simulate the subdural application of optoelectronic stimuli to the rat brain. The model is based on realistic electrode geometries and material properties. The stimulated brain volume is approximately 38 mm3 with a maximal stimulation depth of 2.6 mm. Our results indicate that optoelectronic stimulation can achieve targeted activation of cortical neurons. Further studies will focus on optimizing device parameters, exploring long-term effects, and expand this approach for specific neural bioelectronics to fully exploit its potential in clinical applications.