Enhanced infrared neural stimulation using localized surface plasmon resonance of gold nanorods

An advanced optical activation of neural tissues is demonstrated using pulsed infrared light and plasmonic gold nanorods. Photothermal effect localized in plasma membrane triggers action potentials of in vivo neural tissues. Compared with conventional infrared stimulation, the suggested method can increase a neural responsivity and lower a threshold stimulation level significantly, thereby reducing a requisite radiant exposure and the concern of tissue damage.