Fiber optic plasmon resonance sensor for recording action potential; A theoretically evaluated proposal

Abstract

A non destructive optical sensor for recording of neural cell activity has been proposed and its performance and sensitivity has been evaluated theoretically. The sensor structure is based on using surface Plasmon resonance utilizing optical fiber, where thin film of gold layer has been deposited on the surface of core structure. The performance of proposed method has been calculated theoretically using transfer matrix method. The results of analysis show that by selection of proper wavelength for operation, the optical intensity response of sensor will track the voltage pattern of action potential completely. The all optical response of sensor is applicable in recording the electrical activity without any electric contact and destruction of cells accordingly.