title: An optical fiber transducer for single myofibril force measurement.
abstract: A force transducer has been developed for use in force measurement of skeletal muscle myofibrils. The transducer is suitable for measurement of passive and contractile forces in a range up to 200 micrograms, with 1 microgram resolution. It is based upon the operating principle of the deflection of an optical fiber of known compliance, sensed by the differential illumination of two phototransistors. Attractive features include ease of operation and specimen mounting, high bandwidth, adaptability for different force ranges, and simple and inexpensive construction.
authors.affiliation: Center for Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle 98195.
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Fearn
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Bartoo
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Myers
authors.forename: G H
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: Pollack
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002138:Calibration; D004867:Equipment Design; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology; D009210:Myofibrils / Q000502:physiology*; D055100:Optical Fibers; D014159:Transducers