Prof. Cristina Masoller lab:
research line on neuronal models, excitability and nonlinear dynamics
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In nonlinear systems the presence of noise often
facilitates the detection and transmission of weak signals. Sensory neurons
exploit noise for encoding and transmitting external signals in sequences of
spikes. Although the statistical properties of the spike sequences have been
extensively investigated, the way in which neurons encode information remains
not fully understood. Among other mechanisms, neurons can encode information
in the spike rate (“rate coding”) or in the timing of the spikes (“temporal
coding”). We are interested in studying temporal correlations in the timing
of neuronal spikes. We use neuronal models to analyze
spike correlations when a neuron perceives a weak signal that is covered by
background noise. We are also interested in the comparison of the
statistical properties of neuronal ISI sequences and those of the
experimentally recorded optical
spikes emitted by a semiconductor laser, which resemble neuronal spikes.
Establishing a connection between these different dynamical systems can offer
new perspectives in both, photonics and neuroscience. Laser-based photonic
neurons can provide a novel, inexpensive and controllable experimental set up
for improving our understanding of neuronal activity. On the other hand,
laser-based photonic neurons can be building blocks of neuro-inspired,
ultra-fast optical computing devices. |
Neuronal spikes simulated with the FitzHugh-Nagumo model.
Optical spikes recorded in the semiconductor laser
lab in Terrassa. |
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Recent publications Identifying and
characterizing noise-induced avalanches and extreme events in spiking
networks B. R. R. Boaretto
E. E.N.
Macau, C. Masoller Neurocomputing 704, 134847
(2026). Noise-induced extreme
events in Hodgkin–Huxley neural networks B. R.R.
Boaretto, E. E.N. Macau, C. Masoller Chaos,
Solitons & Fractals 194, 116133 (2025). arXiv Recent presentations Avalanches and
dynamical transitions in networks of Hodgkin–Huxley neurons International
Conference on Physics and Complex Systems Theory, Lipari, Italy, July 2026 Synchronization
transitions in networks of Hodgkin Huxley neurons Workshop on Nonlinear
Network Dynamics: Complexity and Control. Conference on the Occasion of the
75th Birthday of Eckehard Schöll,
Berlin, Germany, May 2026 |
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Funding Agencia Estatal de Investigación
(PID2024-160573NB-I00, 2025-2028) European Office of Aerospace Research and Development
(FA8655-24-1-7022, 2024-2027) |
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