Fiber Optic Detection of Action Potentials in Axons

Abstract

In prior exploratory research, we had designed a fiber optic sensor utilizing a long period Bragg grating for the purpose of detecting action potentials in axons optically, through a change in index of refraction, rather than electrically. The potential application of this technology, long term, is a multi-channel interface to the peripheral nervous system in prosthetic devices. In that prior work, optical signals corresponding to electrically measured action potentials were seen inconsistently because of poor physical contact between the nerve and the optical fiber surface. The main goal of this STIR was to develop a method to improve the nerve/fiber contact, and then to confirm the optical detection approach. A number of mechanical methods for fixing the axon to the fiber were tested, but the buoyancy of the nerve in the electrolyte, as well as its delicacy, were problematic. These challenges have not yet been overcome, but numerous approaches have been ruled out in this research as impractical. The key to future success will be keeping the nerve taut and preventing it from moving.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 2006
Accession Number
ADA459507

Entities

People

  • Elisabeth Smela

Organizations

  • University of Maryland

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Bragg Gratings
  • Detection
  • Electrical Measurement
  • Electrodes
  • Engineering
  • Fibers
  • Lessons Learned
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Nervous System
  • Optical Detection
  • Optical Fibers
  • Peripheral Nervous System
  • Prosthetics
  • Refractive Index
  • Saline Solution
  • Surface Tension
  • Voltage

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