Periodic solutions in next generation neural field models

Abstract

We consider a next generation neural field model which describes the dynamics of a network of theta neurons on a ring. For some parameters the network supports stable time-periodic solutions. Using the fact that the dynamics at each spatial location are described by a complex-valued Riccati equation we derive a self-consistency equation that such periodic solutions must satisfy. We determine the stability of these solutions, and present numerical results to illustrate the usefulness of this technique. The generality of this approach is demonstrated through its application to several other systems involving delays, two-population architecture and networks of Winfree oscillators.