Abstract
This dissertation presents an interdisciplinary study of wireless neural interfacing, leveraging a high spatial and temporal precision electromagnetic stimulation system for neural modulation. A novel magnetic stimulation system was designed and its feasibility validated via multiphysics modeling in COMSOL, which demonstrated that a high-frequency alternating magnetic field can induce suprathreshold electric fields in tissue to reliably evoke neural action potentials. Based on the modeling results, a custom high-frequency amplifier and air-core coil were developed and bench-tested, confirming the ability to deliver the required field strength for neural stimulation. Using an anesthetized rodent experiment, the system achieved successful in vivo peripheral nerve (sciatic) stimulation: the wireless magnetic stimulus elicited consistent neural responses, evidenced by reproducible limb motion and thereby validating contactless electromagnetic neural activation. In addition, theoretical work was undertaken to support future wireless neural recording using MENPs. This effort analyzed the magnetoelectric coupling at the neuron interface and introduced a proof-of-concept lock-in detection scheme, indicating that MENPs could function as wireless transducers for capturing neuronal signals. Overall, by bridging physics-based modeling, engineering design, and neuroscience experimentation, this work delivers a validated electromagnetic stimulation platform and establishes the foundation for next-generation, fully wireless brain–machine interfaces.