Two-cluster spiking activity induced by a subthreshold periodic stimulus in homogenous neuronal ensembles

Abstract

We study the spiking activity of globally coupled excitable neurons in the presence of a subthreshold periodic stimulus. We find that the neuronal ensemble may spontaneous form two synchronized clusters of spiking activity, though it is impossible for an isolated neuron spiking under the same stimulus. We further reveal that the different initial states of the neurons and the coupling strength are two essential components for the onset of the two-cluster spiking activity. We finally analyze the mechanism behind the subthreshold periodic stimulus-sustained activity.