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Multi-phasic microphotodetector retinal implant with variable voltage and current capability

  • US 6,389,317 B1
  • Filed: 03/31/2000
  • Issued: 05/14/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/31/2000
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A retinal implant for electrically inducing formed vision in an eye, the retinal implant comprising:

  • a plurality of first layer microphotodetector pairs for receiving light incident on the eye, each first layer microphotodetector pair comprising;

    a PiN microphotodetector and a NiP microphotodetector, wherein the P-portion of the PiN microphotodetector and the N-portion of the NiP microphotodetector are aligned on a first end, and the N-portion of the piN microphotodetector and the P-portion of the NiP microphotodetector are aligned on a second end; and

    a common electrode in electrical communication between the P-portion and the N-portion of the first end of the microphotodetector pair;

    a gain adjustment layer having a first side and a second side, the first side having a first portion electrically connected in series with the second end of at least a portion of the plurality of first layer microphotodetector pairs, and a second portion integrally formed with the first portion and extending away from the first portion, wherein the second portion is oriented to receive light incident on the eye; and

    , a common electrode plane in electrical contact with the second side of the gain adjustment layer, whereby the common electrode plane serves as an electrical ground for the retinal implant.

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