Two-frequency analysis of interactions elicited by Vernier stimuli

Abstract

In five subjects, we measured visual evoked potentials (VEPs) elicited by Vernier targets in which the contrast of the two components of the stimuli were modulated by sinusoids at distinct frequencies f₁ and f₂. This approach allows for the extraction of VEP signatures of spatial interactions, namely, responses at intermodulation frequencies n₁f₁ + n₂f₂, without the need to introduce motion into the stimulus. The most prominent interactions were at the sum frequency f₁ + f₂, and, for frequency pairs that were sufficiently separated, the difference frequency f₁ − f₂. These responses had a systematic dependence on the temporal parameters of the stimulus, corresponding to an effective latency of 145 to 165 ms. Fourth-order interactions were also detected, particularly at the frequencies 2f₁ ± 2f₂. These VEP signatures of interaction were similar to interactions seen for colinear line segments separated by a gap. Thus, for Vernier stimuli devoid of motion, VEP signatures of interaction are readily detected but are not specific to hyperacuity displacements. The distribution of interactions across harmonic orders is consistent with local rectification preceding the spatial interactions. Their effective latencies and dependence on spatial parameters are consistent with interactions within V1 receptive fields or mediated by horizontal connections between cells with a similar orientation tuning within V1.