The purpose of the tactile receptor Research studies is to develop an understanding of the stimulus encoder characteristics of tactile mechanoreceptors.  Both linear and nonlinear systems analysis techniques are employed.  During an experiment, electromechanical stimuli are applied to the skin overlying an isolated afferent.  The action potentials resulting from the stimulation process are recorded for post-examination processing.  Subsequently, the data are analyzed and used to develop numerical Models for tactile receptors and to provide a basis for understanding how external events are reconstructed at the cognitive level.
 

Relevant Publications:

• Looft FJ.  "Response of Monkey Glabrous Skin Mechanoreceptors to Random-Noise Sequences:  I. Temporal Response Characteristics," Somatosensory and Motor Research, 11(4): 327–344, 1994.
• Looft FJ.  "Response of Monkey Glabrous Skin Mechanoreceptors to Random-Noise Sequences:  II. Dynamic Stimulus State Analysis," Somatosensory and Motor Research, 13(1): 1–28, 1996.
• Looft FJ.  "Response of Monkey Glabrous Skin Mechanoreceptors to Random-Noise Sequences:  III. Spectral Analysis," Somatosensory and Motor Research, 13(3–4): 235–244, 1996.