Finite-element analysis of platinum-based cone microelectrodes for implantable neural recording

There have been significant advances in fabrication of high-density microelectrode arrays using silicon micromachining technology in neural signal recording systems. The interface between microelectrodes and chemical environment brings great interest to researchers working on extracellular stimulation. This interface is quite complex and must be modeled carefully to match experimental results. Computer simulation is a method to increase the knowledge about these arrays and to this end the finite element method provides a strong environment for investigation of relative changes of the electrical field extension surrounding an electrode positioned in chemical environment. In this paper FEM simulation environment is used for modeling the metal-chemical interface, which is helpful for circuit designers to design front-end electronics more efficiently and reliable.