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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
Whole Cell Patch Clamp for Investigating the Mechanisms of Infrared Neural Stimulation
Published on: July 31, 2013
Novel wavelengths for laser nerve stimulation
Ryan G McCaughey1, Cara Chlebicki, Brian J F Wong
1Beckman Laser Institute and Medical Clinic, University of California, Irvine, California 92612, USA. ryanmccaughey@hotmail.com
Background:
Laser light is known to stimulate nerves. This study investigated alternative wavelengths for nerve stimulation.
Materials And Methods:
The sciatic nerves of rats were irradiated with four different lasers-a Ho:YAG (2100 nm), a Yb:glass fiber laser (1495 nm) and diode lasers (1450 nm and 1540 nm).
Results:
All lasers evoked a visible leg twitch response, and electromyography confirmed muscle activation. The Yb:glass laser at 1495 nm delivered through a single mode fiber was found to be the most effective stimulus. The stimulation threshold for a 2 millisecond pulse from the Yb:glass laser was determined to be 3.7+/-2.8 mJ/cm(2).
Conclusions:
The Yb:glass laser has the potential for use in neurostimulation, as an alternative to electrical stimulation.
