  We demonstrate embedded growth of cortical mouse neurons in dense arrays of
semiconductor microtubes. The microtubes, fabricated from a strained
GaAs/InGaAs heterostructure, guide axon growth through them and enable
electrical and optical probing of propagating action potentials. The coaxial
nature of the microtubes -- similar to myelin -- is expected to enhance the
signal transduction along the axon. We present a technique of suppressing
arsenic toxicity and prove the success of this technique by overgrowing
neuronal mouse cells.
