Tapered tungsten fine-wire microelectrode for chronic single unit recording.

A new fine-wire microelectrode made from tungsten wire is described. The electrode design provides for strength as well as flexibility due to the stiffness of tungsten wire and a gradually tapering profile. Unlike previously-used fine wire electrodes, microelectrodes of the new design can be singly implanted under electrophysiological control into deep brain structures of larger animals such as cats. The flexibility of the fine diameter terminal portion of the microelectrode permits stable recording from caudal brain stem single units during vigorous behavioral activity.