Abstract: A flexible circuit electrode array, which comprises: a polymer base layer; metal traces deposited on said polymer base layer, including electrodes suitable to stimulate neural tissue; a polymer top layer deposited on said polymer base layer and said metal traces; and a partial or entire coating of the base and top layer by a soft polymer.

Abstract: A visual prosthesis which includes a hermetic package and flexible circuit electrode array is disclosed. The hermetic package includes electrode drivers and contacts. The flexible circuit electrode array includes a polymer base layer, metal traces, including electrodes suitable to stimulate visual neural tissue and bond pads bonded to contacts on the hermetic package, all deposited on the polymer base layer, a polymer top layer deposited on the polymer base layer and deposited on the metal traces, a partial or an entire coating of the polymer base layer and of the polymer top layer by a soft polymer that is softer than the polymer base layer; and the polymer base layer and the polymer top layer contain a plurality of aligned holes to facilitate bonding of the soft polymer.

Abstract: A flexible circuit electrode array and method of fabrication having a polymer base layer; metal traces deposited on the polymer base layer, including electrodes to stimulate tissue; a polymer top layer deposited on the polymer base layer and metal traces; and a coating of the base and top layer by a soft polymer. A method of preparing a flexible circuit electrode array, comprising: providing a first soft polymer layer; depositing a first a base layer on the first soft polymer layer; providing a metal thin film on the base layer; depositing a top polymer layer on the metal thin film; providing holes in the top polymer layer; depositing a second soft polymer layer on the top polymer layer; providing holes in the second soft polymer layer for bond pads and electrodes; and preparing electrodes in the provided holes.