Synthesis and light-induced surface potential observation of retinal prosthesis using polyethylene thin films immobilized with photoelectric dyes

Photoelectric dyes that absorb light and convert photon energy to electric potential have previously been shown to stimulate retinal neurons in cultures. As such, we have designed a new type of retinal prosthesis using polyethylene films coupled with photoelectric dye molecules. In this study, the electric potentials on the film were observed using a scanning Kelvin probe microscope under light and dark conditions. As a result, electric potentials were observed on the film, which were dependent on light intensity and wavelength. Furthermore, the electric potentials showed a rapid on–off response to light.