Research in Optical Stimulation

Infrared light has been shown to activate a variety of peripheral nerves in vivo using pulsed laser light. After initial safety and efficacy demonstrations of infrared neural stimulation (INS) in the rat sciatic nerve, target tissues have included the cochlea, vestibular system, cavernous nerves of the prostate, facial nerve, and the heart. For more information Click Here.

While INS provides an artifact-free, contact-free and spatially selective alternative to electrical methods, it can be limited by a narrow range of radiant exposures (J/cm²) that are both safe and effective for neural activation. To lower the optical energy requirements, hybrid electrical-optical stimulation has been explored. For more Information Click Here.

INS is well characterized for the peripheral nervous system; however, translation to the central nervous system (CNS) presents a new set of challenges that require us to consider different anatomy, multiple cell types, and the physiology associated with structures in the CNS. For more information Click Here.

Studies by our group have demonstrated that INS has unique advantages over traditional electrical stimulation in certain situations. Contact- and artifact-free stimulation with high spatial precision would be advantageous in certain clinical situations. For more information Click Here.

Research is being performed to identify the mechanism of INS. This research includes modeling, thermal measurements, and biochemical and electrophysiological studies. For more information Click Here.