Webinar On Wireless Optogenetic Nano Networks For Brain Stimulation

HITS in association with IEEE MS NTC CHAPTER organized IEEE Nanotechnology Council Distinguished Lecture (Webinar) on “Wireless Optogenetic Nano Networks for Brain Stimulation” on 23 November 2018. Dr. Sasitharan Balasubramaniam, Acting Director of Research Telecommunications Software and Systems Group, Waterford Institute of Technology, Ireland was the speaker. At the outset, Dr. Sasi mentioned various technologies which have been used over the years for implantable devices that can be used for brain stimulation. The prime focus of the webinar was on how to present the Wireless Optogenetics Nano Device (WiOptND), which is a micrometer scale device constructed from nanoscale components. The miniaturization of the device to the micrometer scale will enable it to be implanted into various parts of the brain, and to stimulate small population of neurons. Later, Dr. Sasi covered the types of nano-scale components required to construct the WiOptND device, and how the properties of each component will provide new approaches for control signaling as well as wireless charging. The miniaturization of the WiOptND will also enable multiple devices to be placed in the brain, whereby a nano network can be formed to target distributed stimulations. Lastly, the Webinar touched on a number of applications as well as future directions for the wireless optogenetic nano networks.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Dr. Sasitharan Balasubramaniam received his Bachelors of Engineering in Electrical and Electronics and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Queensland, Australia, in 1998 and 2005, respectively. He got Masters of Engineering Science in Computer and Communication Engineering degree in 1999 from the Queensland University of Technology, Australia. Dr. Sasi had been with the Telecommunication Software & Systems Group (TSSG), Waterford Institute of Technology, Ireland and the Department of Electronic and Communication Engineering, Tampere University of Technology, Finland. He is the recipient of ‘The Science Foundation Ireland Starter Investigator Research Grant’ and ‘The Academy of Finland Research Fellow grant’ in 2009 and 2013 respectively. Dr. Sasi has published over 100 journal and conference papers, and actively participated in various conference committees. His current research interests include Molecular and Nano Communications as well as the Internet of Nano Things. Dr. Sasi is currently an IEEE Senior Member.