Feasibility of Non-Contact Deep Brain Stimulation Through Temporal Interference Waves: Neural Activity

This research investigates a non-invasive, non-contact brain stimulation technique employing two external electromagnetic sources via transcranial Temporal Interference Stimulation (tTIS). tTIS employs high-frequency interference currents to excite neurons by penetrating the human head. Compared to other brain stimulation methods such as transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) and transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), tTIS offers enhanced penetration depth and steering capabilities. We simulated the impact of electromagnetic wave interference on a human brain model utilizing the CST electromagnetic environment to compute the induced electrical fields within the head. Simulations revealed electric field interference waves at 100 Hz, demonstrating the potential to generate action potentials at various internal brain levels. The Hodgkin–Huxley model was employed within the NEURON environment to study action potential generation through induced currents. An experiment was conducted using two horn antennas, operating at frequencies of 2.45 GHz and 2.45 GHz + 100 Hz, to generate interfering electromagnetic signals characterized by a 100 Hz envelope. These signals were observed across all brain regions during simulations in the CST environment. Our findings indicate that induced currents generated by interfering electromagnetic waves at targeted locations within the head can produce action potentials. While simulation results demonstrate the feasibility of steerability, further investigation is required to optimize focal stimulation techniques.