Logarithmic light intensifier for use with photoreceptor-based implanted retinal prosthetics and those prosthetics

An implantable neurostimulator for stimulation of a retina comprising:

• a source of electrical stimulus;
• two or more electrodes electrically coupled to said source of electrical stimulus;
• and
• a oxide layer deposited on at least one of said two or more electrodes suitable for forming a capacitor when implanted in an eye.

A retinal prosthesis comprising:

• a first light receiver collecting a received visual image;
• a first transducer, coupled to said first light receiver, converting said received visual image into a first electrical signal;
• an amplifier coupled to said first transducer, amplifying said first electrical signal beyond incident light levels;
• a second transducer converting said first electrical signal to a amplified visual image;
• a light transmitter, coupled to said second transducer, and transmitting said amplified visual image;
• a second light receiver collecting said amplified visual image;
• a third transducer coupled to said second light receiver, converting said amplified visual image into a second electrical signal;
• and
• an electrode coupled to said third transducer suitable for stimulating a retina.

A method of improving vision comprising:

• receiving a visual image;
• amplifying said visual image beyond incident light levels;
• transmitting an amplified visual image;
• receiving said amplified visual image;
• converting said amplified visual image to an electrical signal;
• and
• stimulating a retina with said electrical signal.

A retinal prosthesis comprising:

• a light receiver for collection of a received visual image;
• an amplifier coupled to said light receiver, amplifying said received visual image beyond incident light levels in accordance with a predetermined transfer function, and producing an amplified visual image;
• a transducer, coupled to said light amplifier, for converting said amplified visual image into an electrical signal;
• and
• an electrode coupled to said transducer suitable for stimulating a retina.