Acquisition of action potentials with ultra-low sampling rates

Abstract

Abstract-We introduce finite rate of innovation (FRI) based spike acquisition, a new approach to the sampling of action potentials. Drawing from emerging theory on sampling FRI signals, our process aims to acquire the precise shape and timing of spikes from electrodes with single or multiunit spiking activity using sampling rates of 1000 Hz or less. The key insight is that action potentials are essentially stereotyped pulses that are generated by neurons at a rate limited by an absolute refractory period. We use this insight to push sampling below the Nyquist rate. Our process is a parametric method distinct from compressed sensing (CS). In its full implementation, this process could improve spike-based devices for neuroscience and medicine by reducing energy consumption, computational complexity, and hardware demands.

IterML: A Fast, Robust Algorithm for Estimating Signals With Finite Rate of Innovation

“…Signals resembling those given by (1) appear in applications such as ultra-wideband communication [4], electrocardiography [5], neurophysiology [6], and ultrasound imaging [7]. The necessity to sample these signals at a low rate arises when restrictions are placed on sampling, digital signal processing, or data transmission.…”