A method based on the use of autodyne detection effects in a semicondu
ctor laser is proposed to analyze the dynamic state of biological spec
imens. The advantages of this method compared with conventional photoe
lectric methods are demonstrated. Results are presented of the use of
the proposed method to investigate the heart beat frequency and amplit
ude of Daphnia as a function of the degree of toxicity of the aqueous
medium. (C) 1998 American Institute of Physics. [S1063-7850(98)00803-9
]