X-Optogenetics and U-Optogenetics: Feasibility and Possibilities

Optogenetics is an established technique that uses visible light to modulate membrane voltage in neural cells. Although optogenetics allows researchers to study parts of the brain like never before, it is limited because it is invasive, and visible light cannot travel very deeply into tissue. This paper proposes two new techniques that remedy these challenges. The first is x-optogenetics, which uses visible light-emitting nanophosphors stimulated by focused x-rays. X-rays can penetrate much more deeply than infrared light and allow for nerve cell stimulation in any part of the brain. The second is u-optogenetics, which is an application of sonoluminescence to optogenetics. Such a technique uses ultrasound waves instead of x-rays to induce light emission, so there would be no introduction of radiation. However, the tradeoff is that the penetration depth of ultrasound is less than that of x-ray. The key issues affecting feasibility are laid out for further investigation into both x-optogenetics and u-optogenetics.