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Science 5 July 1974:
Vol. 185. no. 4145, pp. 55 - 57
DOI: 10.1126/science.185.4145.55
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Articles

Auditory Membrane Vibrations: Measurements at Sub-Angstrom Levels by Optical Heterodyne Spectroscopy

Paul R. Dragsten 1, Watt W. Webi 1, John A. Patoi 2, and Robert R. Capranic 2

1 School of Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14850
2 School of Electrical Engineering and Section of Neurobiology and Behavior Cornell University

We describe an optical technique for measurement of mechanical vibrations in the auditory organs of living animals. The technique uses light scattered from the vibrating structure and offers several new advantages. Better than 1 angstrom sensitivity, 10 micrometers spatial resolution, and > 70 decibels dynamic range are achieved. Illustrative measurements of the mechanical response of the tympanic membrane of crickets (Gryllidae) are reported.


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