Simultaneous Optical Wireless Communication and Sensing for Brain Implants

This study introduces an innovative approach to integrating optical wireless communication (OWC) and sensing in braincomputer interfaces (BCIs), leveraging shared optical resources for enhanced functionality. By employing a modulated retroreflector (MRR), the proposed system minimizes implant energy consumption, facilitating efficient and sustainable communication between brain implants and external interfaces. Concurrently, the system utilizes diffuse optical tomography (DOT) for real-time tissue monitoring, enabling the detection of biological responses, such as inflammation, through imaging derived from Jacobian matrices. To ensure reliable performance, a non-linear regression model is implemented in the external interface to predict and address OWC link degradation caused by biological factors. This dualpurpose integration of communication and sensing significantly enhances the operational capabilities of BCIs, providing a robust framework for efficient monitoring, troubleshooting, and improved patient care and outcomes.