Design of an electromagnrtic actuator to perturb the rabbit eye.

Abstract

In order to understand how the different brain systems work, control theory concepts are used to represent the input - output relationships of the structures involved. Perturbations is a common tool to study and analyze a control system. One example of a brain circuitry is the oculomotor system. Although, visual perturbations have been used to perturb the eye no mechanical perturbations have been applied up to now. Mechanics is the only way to evoke an unexpected movement, which is an essential factor to motor control. In this study, a magnetic actuator is designed to be used to apply torques in the rabbit eye. In vitro experiments were conducted in a prototype, which roughly mimics the movement of the eye in the horizontal plane, to test the function of the actuator. Experiments in the rabbit (in vivo) were also performed. In vitro results showed that the conceptual design is sound and the demanded torque of 17 mN mm was achieved. During preliminary in vivo results, clear eye movements were recorded as a result of the actuator's perturbations. The actuator designed enables a series of experiments in the frame of oculomotor control research.