Optogenetic Synthesis of Touch Perception via Biomimetic Photo Stimulation of S1

Accurate decision-making requires the precisely timed input of sensory information to yield a functional percept that can inform behavioral choices. Touch perception requires neural activity in primary somatosensory cortex (S1). Here, we determine optimal laser power and shape to optogenetically drive precise spiking activity recorded via electrophysiology in layer IV of mouse S1, for the purpose of biasing sensation and thereby behavior in a...