Inferring the phase response curve from observation of a continuously perturbed oscillator

TL;DR

This paper introduces a passive observation method to infer phase response curves of oscillators in natural, unperturbed conditions, avoiding the need for system isolation and specialized inputs.

Contribution

It presents a novel approach to determine phase response curves solely from passive observations, applicable in real-world scenarios where isolation is impractical.

Findings

Successfully inferred phase response curves from simulated stochastic inputs

Demonstrated the method's effectiveness without system isolation

Applicable to biological systems in natural environments

Abstract

Phase response curves are important for analysis and modeling of oscillatory dynamics in various applications, particularly in neuroscience. Standard experimental technique for determining them requires isolation of the system and application of a specifically designed input. However, isolation is not always feasible and we are compelled to observe the system in its natural environment under free-running conditions. To that end we propose an approach relying only on passive observations of the system and its input. We illustrate it with simulation results of an oscillator driven by a stochastic force.