Multispike train analysis

Multispike trains are encountered often, either purposely or inadvertently, when one records from neural populations. This paper focuses on techniques for detecting and identifying the spikes in multispike trains. Relatively simple methods are briefly reviewed. Most of these require a high signal-to-noise ratio. A method based on signal detection by template matching, which works well with relativeiy small spikes, is described in detail. Use of this technique is illustrated by an investigation of the biophysical aspects of extracellular recording in sensory cortex. A further application is the analysis of multi-unit records to display relationships between two or three neurons recorded simultaneously.