Site Size
Hardware
Surface area of each recording contact, measured in µm².
Site size is the surface area of each electrode contact, typically measured in square micrometers (µm²). This physical dimension affects what types of neural signals you can record and the quality of those recordings.
Why it matters: Site size determines the type of neural activity you can best detect. Smaller sites are better for single neurons (spikes), while larger sites excel at population signals (LFP).
Size ranges and applications:
- Small (100-200 µm²): Optimal for single-unit recordings, high impedance, excellent spike isolation
- Medium (200-400 µm²): Versatile for both spikes and LFP, common in multi-purpose probes
- Large (400-2000 µm²): Best for LFP and population activity, lower impedance, less spike detail
Impedance relationship: Smaller sites have higher impedance, which affects noise characteristics and signal quality. Consider your amplifier specifications when selecting site size.