US Patent 7905013 - IrOx nanowire neural sensor

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7905013.html

Visual prosthesis are experimental devices designed to help restore functional vision to the blind. The electrode material for such a device has to possess biocompatibility and provide high current density in a small area. This patent from Sharp teaches using iridium oxide nanowires as the electrode material. Claim 1 reads:

1. A method for forming an iridium oxide (IrOx) nanowire neural sensor array, the method comprising:

providing a substrate;

forming a conductive layer overlying the substrate;

forming a dielectric layer overlying the conductive layer;

selectively wet etching the dielectric layer;

forming contact holes in the dielectric layer and exposing regions of the conductive layer; and,

growing iridium oxide IrOx nanowire neural interfaces from the exposed regions of the conductive layer.