Precision Whisker Stimulation
The Air Puff Whisker & Olfactory Stimulator delivers highly controlled air puffs to mouse or rat whiskers with precise timing and repeatability. It minimizes mechanical and electrical noise, making it ideal for sensitive neuroscience experiments.
- Adjustable air pressure and frequency
- Input trigger control for precise synchronization
- Minimum pulse duration: 4 ms
- Maximum frequency: 25 Hz
- Maximum pressure: 30 PSI
You can pair the device with our Behavioral Camera to capture high-speed recordings of whisker movement and behavioral responses, ideal for integrated neurobehavioral analysis.
👃Olfactory Stimulation Mode
Use the stimulator as a modular olfactometer for odor delivery during experiments.
- Connects to a vial or container with gauze or solid odorants (e.g., coffee, clove)
- Multiple units can be combined to deliver different odors or concentrations
- Excellent for studies of olfactory processing and multi-modal integration
Odor vials are not included but can be supplied on request.
See our blog post for an example of dorsal olfactory bulb (dOB) recordings using this setup.
Air Puff for Behavioral Motivation
The device is also compatible with our Rodent Treadmill, where it delivers a quick air puff underneath the animal to encourage running.
- Serves as an ethical, non-invasive alternative to electric shock grids
- Triggered automatically when the treadmill reaches a set point
- Reduces stress and preserves the integrity of behavioral data
🖥️ Easy Software Integration & Control
The system includes software for digital control and automation:
- Free software enabling full integration into complex experimental workflows
- PsychoPy plugin for seamless stimulus control
- Serial command mode for custom programming
- Compatible with external devices (e.g., Arduino) for trigger inputs
⚙️ Power & Setup Requirements
- Powered by 24V external supply (included)
- Includes a 16 Ga. 6” Luer Lock needle for air puff delivery
- Requires air source (regulated max 30 PSI), use wall supply, air tank, or contact us for a compatible compressor
Operating Modes
Choose from three flexible operation methods:
- External trigger input (e.g., TTL from Arduino)
- Digital control via included software
- Serial commands from any compatible controller or software
✅ Summary of Key Features
- Multi-modal: whisker, olfactory, and behavioral stimulation
- Fast, repeatable, and customizable pulses
- Non-invasive and animal-friendly
- Easy to integrate into existing rigs
- Software-controlled and automation-ready
Available Accessories
- Odor vial compartments (on request, no extra cost)
- Compatible compressors (available on demand)
Application Schematic of the Air Puff Stimulator
Case Studies from Our Blog Featuring This Product
From Scents to Signals: exploring the mouse olfactory bulb
When we think about how we use our senses to interact with the surrounding environment, the sense of smell might not be the first to come to mind. However, evidence indicates that olfaction plays a crucial role in our species, influencing several aspects of our social interactions, such as mate choice and mother-infant bonding (Boesveldt and Parma 2021).
One study estimated that humans can discriminate more than a trillion different odors (Bushdid et al. 2014). This remarkable capability is due to the presence of a large number of olfactory sensory neurons in the back of our nasal cavity. Each neuron expresses a single type of olfactory receptor protein, which has a distinct affinity for specific odorant molecules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our stimulator delivers precise, repeatable air puffs with adjustable intensity and frequency, minimizing variability in sensory experiments. Its versatility allows it to support multiple neuroscience applications.
Designed for non-invasive whisker stimulation, it features fast response times and integration capabilities, including optional olfactory stimulation with controlled delivery of odors such as coffee, clove, and cumin.
The device can also be combined with our Rodent Treadmill to encourage animals to run with less induced stress compared to conventional electrical shock grids.
Additionally, the system can function as an olfactory stimulator, enabling researchers to study olfactory processing and sensory integration by providing controlled, repeatable odor presentations alongside whisker stimulation.
Our Air Puff Whisker Stimulator allows for precise, repeatable whisker stimulation without the electrical noise or mechanical vibration often introduced by motorized devices. This clean, non-contact method is ideal for sensitive neuroscience experiments where signal integrity is crucial.
In addition to being noise-free, the system is highly versatile. It supports a wide range of applications, including whisker-based sensory studies, integration with behavioral setups like our Rodent Treadmill, and optional olfactory stimulation for multi-modal experiments. This adaptability makes it a valuable tool for labs conducting complex neuroscience research.
The stimulator can be connected to standard lab air supplies such as wall outlets or air bottles used for anesthesia or optical tables. If no source is available, a compact, low-noise compressor is recommended. We can advise on suitable models for quiet, consistent operation, or supply a compatible compressor upon request.
The olfactory stimulator can be connected to a small compartment containing the odorant samples. These samples can be either gauze impregnated with liquid odorants or solids such as coffee beads. The dispenser needle is then positioned near the animal’s snout to deliver the odors.
Please note that this compartment is typically not included with the device, but we can provide one upon request at no additional cost. Be sure to contact us if you need this accessory.
For experiments requiring more than one odor, multiple olfactory stimulators can be combined to deliver different odorants in a controlled and repeatable manner.
Yes, you can finely adjust air puff intensity, duration, and frequency to fit your experimental protocol, ensuring reproducible and precise stimulation tailored to your study needs.
The Air Puff Stimulator uses a high-speed valve to deliver precise air pulses, which does produce a noticeable clicking sound due to the release of pressurized air. While this is typical for pneumatic systems, it may not be ideal for ultra-quiet environments.
For noise-sensitive applications, we recommend two options: Use longer tubing to position the valve farther from the animal or considering our Mechanical Whisker Stimulator, which offers silent operation, ideal for experiments where even minimal acoustic interference could impact results.
