Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a method of operating a plasma processing system by retrofitting one or more components thereof. The method includes removing a holder from a gas supply mechanism of the plasma processing system. The holder includes a gas injector that is configured to provide gas received from a gas source to a plasma chamber of the plasma processing system. The method further includes reducing a size of a guide pin of the holder, installing the holder including the guide pin having the reduced size in the gas supply mechanism, and rotating the gas injector to change a flow of gas through the gas injector.

Abstract: An artificial retinal prosthesis is disclosed, which comprises a plurality of pixel group units to output a spatiotemporal electrical stimulation for inducing color perception. Each of the pixel group units comprises a main pixel unit and at least one surrounding pixel unit. The main pixel unit and the surrounding pixel unit respectively outputs an electrical stimulation waveform according to a first stimulation cycle and a second stimulation cycle. Both of the first stimulation cycle and the second stimulation cycle have a first-half duration and a second-half duration. The first-half duration of the first stimulation cycle has inactive period greater than 20% and less than 80% and the rest of the first stimulation cycle is active period. The second-half duration of the first stimulation cycle is inactive period. The first-half duration of the second stimulation cycle is active period and the second-half duration of the second stimulation cycle is inactive period.

Abstract: An artificial prosthesis is disclosed, which comprises a pixel array, a correlated double sampling unit, an analog-to-digital converter, a digital core, and a digital-to-analog converter. The digital core is configured to perform a calculation of electrical stimulation waveform of each of the pixels by using a processing function of an ANN. As such, the neural stimulation levels for artificial vision can be optimized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for testing a retinal implant. After an implantable device for interfacing with retinal cells is provided, an external stimulus is applied to the implantable device so that the implantable device transmits a first pulse to a processing device through a wireless interface. When a conversion unit is controlled to gradually decrease an output voltage until the implantable device outputs an output voltage lower than a reference voltage, the implantable device transmits a signal different from the first pulse to the processing device through the wireless interface. The processing device determines a current value of a pixel unit according to a time difference between the first pulse and the signal.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a high density retinal prosthesis system with equalization comprises a retinal prosthesis chip, a measuring device, a tuning device, and a transmitting device. After the measuring device capable of generating electrical induction with the retinal prosthesis chip obtains a degree of light stimulation received by pixel units in the retinal prosthesis chip, it is equalized by the tuning device, and then a calibration signal is fed to the pixel units to tune the pixel units to make the pixel units in the retinal prosthesis system to achieve an equalization effect.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for artificial retinal prosthesis with color vision comprising an artificial retinal prosthesis implanted in a user's body. The artificial retinal prosthesis comprises a plurality of pixel units and a color shutter integrated with the plurality of pixel units structurally. The plurality of pixel units are used to receive an external visual image that enters the eyes of the user, and output a spatiotemporal electrical stimulation to the user's optic nerve according to the external visual image. The color shutter connects with the plurality of pixel units, and determines a spectrum that is allowed to enter the eyes to allow the user to generate a color image perception. By allowing stimulation of the artificial retinal prosthesis to vary with different spaces and times, and synchronously controlling the spectrum that is allowed to enter the eyes, thereby assisting the patient in obtaining color visual perception.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for artificial retinal prosthesis comprising a pixel array, a correlated double sampling unit, an analog-to-digital converter, a digital core, and a digital-to-analog converter. The system stimulates retinal cells row-to-row, and therefore can effectively reduce large transient currents and avoid unfavorable condition of power drop due to large transient currents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for testing a retinal implant. After an implantable device for interfacing with retinal cells is provided, an external stimulus is applied to the implantable device so that the implantable device transmits a first pulse to a processing device through a wireless interface. When a conversion unit is controlled to gradually decrease an output voltage until the implantable device outputs an output voltage lower than a reference voltage, the implantable device transmits a signal different from the first pulse to the processing device through the wireless interface. The processing device determines a current value of a pixel unit according to a time difference between the first pulse and the signal.

Abstract: An analog to digital converter by using an exponential-logarithmic model includes an exponential circuit which acquires an analog input voltage and generates an analog output voltage that is an exponential function of the input voltage. A positive feedback circuit that succeeds the exponential circuit exhibits a natural logarithmic characteristic. A comparator is connected to the positive feedback circuit to compare an output voltage of the positive feedback circuit with a reference voltage. Via the exponential-logarithmic conversion technique, the time interval or pulse produced by the positive feedback circuit is a linear function of the magnitude of the input voltage. Based on the comparator output, a counter is employed to translate the analog input signal to its digital representation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an analog to digital converter by using an exponential-logarithmic model. The exponential-logarithmic analog-to-digital converter includes an exponential circuit which acquires an analog input voltage and generates an analog output voltage that is an exponential function of the input voltage. A positive feedback circuit that succeeds the exponential circuit exhibits a natural logarithmic characteristic. A comparator is connected to the positive feedback circuit to compare an output voltage of the positive feedback circuit with a reference voltage. Via the exponential-logarithmic conversion technique, the time interval or pulse produced by the positive feedback circuit is a linear function of the magnitude of the input voltage. Based on the comparator output, a counter is employed to translate the analog input signal to its digital representation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a flexible probe structure comprises at least one electrode using a CNT layer as the electrode interface. The CNT layer disposed on the electrode surface is processed with an UV-ozone treatment to form a great number of carbon-oxygen functional groups on the surface of CNT. The carbon-oxygen functional groups can greatly reduce the interface impedance of the electrode and the biological tissue fluid. Thereby, the measurement can achieve better quality. The present invention also discloses a method for fabricating a flexible probe structure, which comprises steps: preparing a flexible substrate; forming a conductive layer on the flexible substrate, and defining an electrode, a wire and a metal pad on the conductive layer; forming a CNT layer on the electrode; forming an insulating layer on the conductive layer to insulate the wire from the environment; and processing the CNT layer with an UV-ozone treatment.