An identified nerve cell of the leech is attached to a planar silicon microstructure of p-doped silicon covered by a thin layer of insulating silicon oxide. A voltage step, applied between silicon and electrolyte, induces a capacitive transient in the cell which elicits an action potential. The capacitive extracellular stimulation is described by an equivalent electrical four-pole.

• Received 21 February 1995

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.75.1670