A simple white noise analysis of neuronal light responses

A white noise technique is presented for estimating the response properties of spiking visual system neurons. The technique is simple, robust, efficie nt and well suited to simultaneous recordings from multiple neurons. It pro vides a complete and easily interpretable model of light responses even for neurons that display a common form of response nonlinearity that precludes classical linear systems analysis. A theoretical justification of the tech nique is presented that relies only on elementary linear algebra and statis tics. Implementation is described with examples. The technique and the unde rlying model of neural responses are validated using recordings from retina l ganglion cells, and in principle are applicable to other neurons. Advanta ges and disadvantages of the technique relative to classical approaches are discussed.