Patrick Ruther

Dr. Patrick Ruther is a senior scientist and group leader at the Microsystem Materials Laboratory under Prof. Dr. O. Paul at the Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg. Since October 1998, he has led research initiatives focusing on MEMS devices for life sciences and industrial applications.

Education:

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering (University of Karlsruhe, Germany)
• Physics studies (University of Konstanz, Germany)

Research Focus:

• Development of post-CMOS compatible MEMS devices
• Neural implants combining electrophysiological recordings and optogenetic stimulation
• Thin-film LED arrays for biomedical applications
• Micro-optical tools for neural tissue and muscle interfacing

Key Projects (Principle Investigator/Coordinator):

• NeuraViPeR (EU Horizon 2020): Visual prosthetics via flexible neural probes + ASIC integration
• DEEPER (EU Horizon 2020): LED-based implants for neural disease targeting
• BrainLinks-BrainTools (DFG Cluster): Silicon-based neural probes with CMOS/electro-optical integration
• SPP1926 Next Generation Optogenetics (DFG): Multifunctional neural implants

Teaching:

• Advanced Silicon Technology
• Silicon-based Neural Technology

Labs/Teams: Leads Microsystem Materials Laboratory within IMTEK, collaborating with EU/DFG consortia on neural interface technologies.