Agenda

Microelectronics colloquium

Wireless Power Transfer using Ultrasound for deep implants

Limitha Subbaiah Kumar Nangaru

Implantable medical devices (IMDs) and the integration of electronics with the human body have long piqued the interest of the medical realm. These devices are expected to significantly enhance patient care, addressing a wide range of conditions, from neurological disorders to chronic diseases. Nonetheless, the extensive adoption of these treatments is constrained by a fundamental challenge, namely, the invasive nature of current implants, rendering them risky and unappealing for most medical conditions. The quest for innovative applications that can supply power to and communicate with implants has resulted in revolutionary advancements. Wireless power transfer offers a non-intrusive and efficient solution, enabling implants to function without the encumbrance of physical connections. In addition to enhancing patient comfort and safety, this technology allows for the development of smaller, more versatile implantable devices that can access deeper regions of the body with reduced risk. Leveraging the distinctive characteristics of ultrasound allows for wireless powering of µm-mm sized implants deeply seated within the brain, paving new frontiers in medical research.

As a PhD student, Limitha’s research focuses on maximizing wireless power extraction and delivery using ultrasound for sub-millimeter and micrometer-scale deep implants. Her work aims to enhance implant performance and longevity by enabling a reliable, long-term power source ultimately improving patient outcomes. In this talk, she will present key highlights from her research over the past two years and outline her vision for the next phase of her work. She warmly invites you to join the discussion, share your insights, and ask questions. Your feedback and ideas are most welcome!

 

Overview of Microelectronics Colloquium