Date of Award
2024
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering
Specialization
Biomedical Engineering
Department
Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering
First Advisor
Yalda Shahriari
Abstract
This dissertation addresses the challenge of improving spatial resolution and signal quality in electroencephalography (EEG), focusing on tripolar concentric ring electrodes (TCREs) and conductive gels. The research aimed to develop standardized evaluation methods for TCREs, optimize gel performance, and explore non-invasive EEG techniques for studying brain activity in octopuses.
A novel planar EEG phantom was developed, enabling systematic evaluation of TCREs and gels. Sixteen commercial EEG gels were assessed using this phantom, revealing significant performance variations with TCREs. Based on these findings, a custom high-impedance gel was formulated specifically for TCREs. Additionally, the potential of TCREs for non-invasive EEG techniques was explored through octopus EEG studies.
Key findings include: (1) The planar phantom demonstrated high reliability, with 2.31% relative standard deviation in repeatability tests; (2) Commercial gel performance varied widely, with lower conductivity gels generally outperforming higher conductivity options when used with TCREs; (3) The custom-formulated gel outperformed all commercial options, demonstrating a 123% improvement over Ten20 paste; (4) First non-invasive recording of steady-state visually evoked potentials in octopuses was made using TCREs, with responses detected at 5-40 Hz and signal-to-noise ratios up to 21.0 dB.
These advancements offer innovative tools and techniques for improving EEG spatial resolution and signal quality, expanding the potential for both research and clinical neurophysiological applications.
Recommended Citation
Vincelli, Jay, "DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF NOVEL ELECTRODE DESIGNS AND GELS FOR USE IN ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHY" (2024). Open Access Dissertations. Paper 1694.
https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/oa_diss/1694