An information channel model of a neuron encoder and possible microwave radiation effects on capacity

A popular neuron encoder model is cast into the form of an information channel, and the encoder state is shown to be measured in probability by a Markov chain. Channel capacity of the model is calculated under the assumption that the neuron threshold follows an approximately Gaussian distribution. The model is also shown to be characterized in information theory terms as a finite-state indecomposable channel subject to intersymbol interference and fading. From experiments on snail neurons which were the stimulus for the modelling efforts, the hypothesis is suggested that, to the extent the model captures the actual performance of neurons, microwave radiation could significantly alter the information processing ability of neurons.