Application of infrared light for in vivo neural stimulation
Top Cited Papers
Open Access
- 1 January 2005
- journal article
- Published by SPIE-Intl Soc Optical Eng in Journal of Biomedical Optics
- Vol. 10 (6), 064003-064003-12
- https://doi.org/10.1117/1.2121772
Abstract
A novel method for damage-free, artifact-free stimulation of neural tissue using pulsed, low-energy infrared laser light is presented. Optical stimulation elicits compound nerve and muscle potentials similar to responses obtained with conventional electrical neural stimulation in a rat sciatic nerve model. Stimulation and damage thresholds were determined as a function of wavelength using a tunable free electron laser source and a solid state holmium:YAG laser . Threshold radiant exposure required for stimulation varies with wavelength from to . Histological analysis indicates no discernable thermal damage with suprathreshold stimulation. The largest damage/stimulation threshold ratios were at wavelengths corresponding to valleys in the IR spectrum of soft tissue absorption (4 and ). Furthermore, optical stimulation can be used to generate a spatially selective response in small fascicles of the sciatic nerve that has significant advantages (e.g., noncontact, spatial resolution, lack of stimulation artifact) over conventional electrical methods in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in neuroscience, neurology, and neurosurgery.
Keywords
This publication has 47 references indexed in Scilit:
- Double Contrast MRI of Thermally Ablated Liver MetastasesRöFo - Fortschritte auf dem Gebiet der Röntgenstrahlen und der bildgebenden Verfahren, 2003
- Comparison of Mouse Matrix Metalloproteinase 13 Expression in Free-Electron Laser and Scalpel Incisions During Wound HealingJournal of Investigative Dermatology, 2003
- Intraventricular monitoring for temporal lobe epilepsy: report on technique and initial results in eight patientsJournal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, 2003
- Multiphoton stimulation of neuronsJournal of Neurobiology, 2002
- Beam Delivery of the Vanderbilt Free Electron Laser with Hollow Wave Guides: Effect on Temporal and Spatial Pulse PropagationFiber and Integrated Optics, 2001
- Neural stimulation: Clinical and laboratory experiencesSurgical Neurology, 1993
- He‐Ne laser irradiation of single identified neuronsLasers in Surgery and Medicine, 1992
- Temperature dependence of gating current in myelinated nerve fibersThe Journal of Membrane Biology, 1989
- Spontaneous cerebellar hematoma associated with chronic cerebellar stimulationJournal of Neurosurgery, 1986
- Laser Stimulation of Nerve Cells in AplysiaScience, 1971