Model for Auditory-Neuron Thresholds to Microwave Pulses

Abstract

A model for thresholds of auditory neurons to microwave pulses is developed using the frequency content of a pulse with intensity A and duration T_p. Suprathreshold intensity is greater than (R-_T/kTp)/∣sin(πCFT_p)/πCFT_p∣, where R_T is the detectable threshold response amplitude, CF is the neuron characteristic frequency, and k is a constant relating response and stimulus units. For short pulses with small πCFT_p, suprathreshold intensity is greater than R-_T/kT_p; threshold energy, AT_p, greater than constant R_T/k. Patterns of previously measured thresholds in cat cochlear nucleus for T_p between 20 and 200 μs are consistent with the patterns derived using the model.