Microprocessor-Controlled Optical Stimulator for Vision Experiments

An optical stimulator designed for vision research experiments is described. The stimuli sequences of light are given in matrix form and can be permuted at will to result in a highly versatile instrument. Background and stimuli lights are derived from a common source to minimize cost and errors from the light source instability. The stimulator is built around two 8080 microprocessors controlling 12 stepping motors, a seven track FM recorder, three optical shutters, and a video monitor for command and control purposes.