Robust Stimulus Encoding in Olfactory Processing: Hyperacuity and Efficient Signal Transmission

Abstract

We investigate how efficient signal transmission and reconstruction can be achieved within the olfactory system. We consider a theoretical model of signal integration within the olfactory pathway that derives from its convergent architecture and results in increased sensitivity to chemical stimuli between the first and second stages of the system. This phenomenon of signal integration in the olfactory system is formalised as an instance of hyperacuity. By exploiting a large population of chemically sensitive microbeads, we demonstrate how such a signal integration technique can lead to real gains in sensitivity in machine olfaction. In a separate computational model of the early olfactory pathway that is driven by real-world chemosensor input, we investigate how spike-based signal and graded-potential signalling compares for supporting the accuracy of reconstruction of the chemical stimulus at later stages of neuronal processing.