Model for Flicker-Induced Geometric Phosphenes
Author Information
Author(s): Michael Rule, Matthew Stoffregen, Bard Ermentrout
Primary Institution: Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America; University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Hypothesis
The phenomenon of flicker phosphenes results from the interaction of cortical lateral inhibition with resonant periodic stimuli.
Conclusion
The study provides a model explaining how geometric patterns in the visual field arise from flickering light, showing that the patterns depend on the frequency of stimulation.
Supporting Evidence
- The best temporal frequency for eliciting phosphenes is a multiple of intrinsic oscillatory rhythms in the cortex.
- Low frequency flicker produces hexagonal patterns while high frequency produces pinwheels, targets, and spirals.
- Patterns vary with the frequency of stimulation, showing different geometric forms.
Takeaway
When you look at flickering lights, your brain can create beautiful patterns, and this study helps explain how that happens.
Methodology
The study uses a computational model based on Wilson-Cowan equations to simulate the effects of flicker on a neural network.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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