Title :
A Laser Stimulator for the Study of Cutaneous Thermal and Pain Sensations
Author :
Meyer, Richard A. ; Walker, Ronald E. ; Mountcastle, Vernon B., Jr.
Author_Institution :
Applied Physics Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University, Laurel, MD 20810.
Abstract :
A laser thermal stimulator system is described which enables the psychophysical and neurophysiological study of cutaneous thermal and pain sensations by means of a non-contact, precise stimulator. A carbon dioxide laser is used as the heat source with closed loop control of skin temperature via a sophisticated radiometer. Temperature steps of 0.1°C to 25°C have been achieved with rise rates of greater than 30°C/second. The temperature can be maintained to better than ±0.1°C over pulse durations of 0.3 seconds to 20 seconds.
Keywords :
Carbon dioxide; Laser beam cutting; Optical control; Pain; Psychology; Radio control; Radiometry; Skin; Temperature control; Temperature sensors; Humans; Lasers; Pain; Sensation; Skin Physiology; Temperature; Thermodynamics;
Journal_Title :
Biomedical Engineering, IEEE Transactions on
DOI :
10.1109/TBME.1976.324616
