A study of reception with the use of focused ultrasound. I. Effects on the skin and deep receptor structures in man.

The possibility of use of focused ultrasound (focused beam of high-frequency mechanical waves) for stimulation of nerve structures was investigated. The stimulation of human hand resulted in various sensations: tactile, temperature, pain etc. The corresponding thresholds were determined and characteristic features of ultrasonically induced sensations were studied. The modality of temperature sensation (warmth-cold) was found to depend on the environmental temperature. The character of pain was dependent upon the type of tissue stimulated. Effective factors in ultrasonic stimulation are discussed.