Laser direct-write cochlear implants from Clark-MXR funded by NIH SBIR

Sept. 23, 2011
Dexter, MI--Clark-MXR was awarded a SBIR from NIH to further develop the laser tools, facilities, and protocols needed for multi-electrode cochlear implant arrays.

Dexter, MI--Ultrashort pulsed laser and spectroscopy instruments manufacturerClark-MXR was awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II contract from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to further develop the laser tools, facilities, and protocols needed to produce multi-electrode cochlear implant arrays using known biocompatible materials. Building on its successful Phase I SBIR program, Clark-MXR will use its laser direct-write micromachining technology to produce a robust, high-quality, reliable cochlear implant electrode array that is functionally similar to those in clinical use today. Clark-MXR anticipates that this new technology will eliminate failures caused by embrittlement as well as enable higher functionality at lower cost.

Clark-MXR president and CEO William Clark says, "We anticipate that this program will improve health for the deaf community. You need only search for 'cochlear implant baby' on youtube.com to understand why we feel this endeavor is an important application of our manufacturing technology--especially for children in their formative years."

Supporting the NIH mission to reduce the burdens of illness and disability, Clark-MXR says that this program will result in a substantial improvement in quality, performance, and size of cochlear implants, laying the foundation for production of a broad spectrum of neural implants serving a wide range of medical needs.

SOURCE: Clark-MXR; www.cmxr.com/resources/SBIR_Release.pdf

Subscribe now to Laser Focus World magazine; It’s free! Follow us on Twitter

Sponsored Recommendations

Brain Computer Interface (BCI) electrode manufacturing

Jan. 31, 2025
Learn how an industry-leading Brain Computer Interface Electrode (BCI) manufacturer used precision laser micromachining to produce high-density neural microelectrode arrays.

Electro-Optic Sensor and System Performance Verification with Motion Systems

Jan. 31, 2025
To learn how to use motion control equipment for electro-optic sensor testing, click here to read our whitepaper!

How nanopositioning helped achieve fusion ignition

Jan. 31, 2025
In December 2022, the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's National Ignition Facility (NIF) achieved fusion ignition. Learn how Aerotech nanopositioning contributed to this...

Nanometer Scale Industrial Automation for Optical Device Manufacturing

Jan. 31, 2025
In optical device manufacturing, choosing automation technologies at the R&D level that are also suitable for production environments is critical to bringing new devices to market...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Laser Focus World, create an account today!