Multi-channel spike detection and sorting using an array processing technique

Abstract

In many brain regions, high levels of background activity can obscure action potentials of neurons close to a recording electrode, particularly in the presence of a stimulus. As recorded on a multi-channel electrode array, this neural noise appears to be highly correlated among the channels. We have developed an array processing technique to remove the correlated component of noise, improving the signal-to-noise ratio. In addition, we show that the weighting vector of the array algorithm can be manipulated to facilitate sorting of the action potentials. An example of the technique applied to the guinea pig cochlear nucleus is shown.