Timing Control of Single Neuron Spikes with Optogenetic Stimulation

TL;DR

This study demonstrates how optogenetic stimulation can precisely control the firing times of a cortical neuron modeled by Izhikevich dynamics, predicting the maximum firing rate achievable without interference.

Contribution

It introduces a method to predict neuron firing control using a simple optogenetic model and Izhikevich neuron parameters, enabling estimation of firing frequency limits.

Findings

Linear functions can predict charging times accurately.

Maximum firing frequency without interference can be estimated.

Optogenetic control effectively modulates neuron firing times.

Abstract

This paper predicts the ability to externally control the firing times of a cortical neuron whose behavior follows the Izhikevich neuron model. The Izhikevich neuron model provides an efficient and biologically plausible method to track a cortical neuron's membrane potential and its firing times. The external control is a simple optogenetic model represented by a constant current source that can be turned on or off. This paper considers a firing frequency that is sufficiently low for the membrane potential to return to its resting potential after it fires. The time required for the neuron to charge and for the neuron to recover to the resting potential are fitted to functions of the Izhikevich neuron model parameters. Results show that linear functions of the model parameters can be used to predict the charging times with some accuracy and are sufficient to estimate the highest firing frequency achievable without interspike interference.