Laser emitted radiant heat for pain research

TLDR

A computer‑controlled infrared laser delivers brief, sharply localized radiant heat stimuli (down to 5 ms) that can be applied to any skin locus for recording evoked responses and determining pain and thermal thresholds while precautions prevent skin and eye injury. The energy threshold required for pain induction with this laser technique matches that of the Hardy‑Wolff‑Goodell method.

Abstract

Controlled radiant heat stimulation for a combined psychophysical and electrophysiological research in pain was achieved by the use of an infrared Laser beam. The computer controlled stimuli, being of very brief duration (down to 5 msec) and sharply localized, are suitable for recording of averaged evoked responses as well as for determination of pain and thermal thresholds. These stimuli can be applied to any locus on the skin. The threshold energy delivered by this technique is similar to that obtained by the Hardy-Wolff-Goodell method. Special precautions were taken to avoid injury to the skin and the eyes.