Simulation guide
Cortex slab (single-electrode mode)
The simulator lives at /simulations/cortex-slab/. This page is a short guide for first-time use.
What this simulation is (and isn’t)
This is a geometry-first, intuition-building sandbox for cortical recording concepts. It uses a toy spiking model and a toy distance-based electrode signal model. It is useful for understanding interactions between position, depth, and signal shape, but it is not a validated biophysical model.
Quick start (2 minutes)
- Open /simulations/cortex-slab/.
- Leave Speed at 1× and uncheck Pause if needed.
- Move the electrode with X, Y, and Z/depth controls.
- Watch how the single-channel trace amplitude and shape change as you move.
- Use Reset view, Top view, or Side view if camera orientation gets confusing.
Controls glossary
- Pause: stops time stepping (useful for positioning).
- Speed: multiplies the simulation stepping rate.
- X/Y/Z: electrode position in µm. Z is insertion depth into the slab.
- Raster neurons shown: number of neurons displayed in the raster panel.
- Reset / Top / Side view: camera helpers for easier 3D navigation.
What to try
- Hold Z fixed and sweep X or Y to see lateral sensitivity.
- Hold X/Y fixed and sweep Z to see depth dependence.
- Use Top view to test lateral movement, then Side view for depth movement.
- Pause and reposition quickly, then resume and compare traces.
Where to go next
- Simulations index: /simulations/
- Peripheral nerve sandbox guide: /simulations/nerve-cross-section/guide/
- BCI Atlas: /companies/