The AeRP is a small optical computer consisting of an array of photodiodes and special fiber optics. The photodiode cells used have a surface area of one- square millimeter in order to most efficiently convert light into electrical signals. The electrical current of the photodiode cells, operating in the range from picoamps to microamps will be delivered to the retinal ganglion cells by means of biocompatible electrically conducting polymer strands (ECP) which lie upon a non-electrically conducting polymer lead umbrella. The umbrella takes the contour of the retina. Surgical techniques are available for proper implantation. The AeRP is in production and being prepared for tests at this time.

The design described here is actually a Second Generation Prototype (SGP) based upon tests that were run in the laboratory on a set of First Generation Prototypes (FGP). These FGP were able to discern contrast among colored figures when they observed reflected light off of the objects. The FGP consisted of a design based upon the first issued patent (United States Patent Number: 5,836,996). Four modules were built: one with a red filter, one with a blue filter, one with a green filter, to represent the color cones in the human eye; and a fourth module with no filter, as a control, of sorts. These modules were shrunk down in order that multiple units of them, would be used in the SGP. A paper is being prepared that will describe both Generations of the AeRP.

The project is built into several Phases. The first two Phases based upon the FGP and beginning work on the SGP are already completed.

Phase I: First Generation Prototypes: THIS PHASE IS ALREADY COMPLETED Phase I (1996-1999) consisted of the building and testing in a laboratory environment (at Columbia University) of a set of single-celled devices, each representing the natural photoreceptors in a healthy eye. The devices proved to be able to delineate contrast, which is what they were, designed to do. Contrast is a major component of human sight. Each device represented what will be a single miniaturized cell in the Second Generation Prototypes. Engineering technology can easily miniaturize the components. This will allow multiple cells to be incorporated in a device small enough to fit in the eye.

Phase II: THIS PHASE IS ALREADY COMPLETED. PART A: (1999) Based upon feasibility tests performed at Drexel University’s Center for Fiber Optic and Photonics Manufacturing Engineering, the Second Generation Prototype was determined to be possible. These tests were paid for by a joint source of Ben Franklin Grants and by Gulden Ophthalmics. Tests results are available upon request.

PART B: (2003-2004) The material used for the leads, electrically conducting polymers, that will stimulate the retinal ganglion cells (RGC’s) were tested at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center and it was found that nerve cells not only adhered to the material but grew well. The polymers are biocompatible.