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A method for determining photoreceptor signal-to-noise ratio in the time and frequency domains with a pseudorandom stimulus

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 June 2009

Eero Kouvalainen ,
Matti Weckström  and
Mikko Juusola
Eero Kouvalainen
Affiliation:
Department of Physiology, Biocenter and ORBIS Sensorius Oulu, University of Oulu, Kajaanintie 52 A, 90220 Oulu, Finland
Matti Weckström
Affiliation:
Department of Physiology, Biocenter and ORBIS Sensorius Oulu, University of Oulu, Kajaanintie 52 A, 90220 Oulu, Finland
Mikko Juusola
Affiliation:
Department of Physiology, Biocenter and ORBIS Sensorius Oulu, University of Oulu, Kajaanintie 52 A, 90220 Oulu, Finland
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Abstract

We have developed a method that utilizes repeated sequences of pseudorandomly modulated stimuli for calculation of the SNR either in the time or frequency domains. The method has the advantage that the distribution of SNR over relevant frequencies is readily observed. In addition, a SNR value, calculated as the ratio of the corresponding variances, is an estimate of the true SNR because it has been weighted by the cell's frequency response. The procedure offers significant advantages when studying signal transmission in nonspiking cells like photoreceptors.

Keywords

NonspikingSignal analysisVisionContrast codingContrast sensitivity
Type
Short Communications
Information
Visual Neuroscience , Volume 11 , Issue 6 , November 1994 , pp. 1221 - 1225
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1994

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