A computational model of a chamber-type, thin-film stimulating microelectrode was developed to study the distribution of the current density within the chamber. The three-dimensional model was based on Laplace's equation. The model, in conjunction with published experimental observations, provided information on the stimulation efficacy of the chambered electrode within neural tissue. In comparison to the performance of unchambered electrodes with the same effective stimulating area, the chambered electrode can potentially inject more current and stimulate more neural tissue. In comparison to unchambered electrodes with the same physical size, the chambered electrode can operate more selectively for nearby neural tissue. Thus, the chamber design has a greater dynamic range of operation.
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