Two neuron example

This script simulates two connected pre- and postsynaptic neurons. The presynaptic neuron receives a constant external current, and the membrane potential of both neurons are recorded.

See Also

One neuron example

First, we import all necessary modules for simulation, analysis and plotting. Additionally, we set the verbosity to suppress info messages and reset the kernel.

import nest
import nest.voltage_trace
import matplotlib.pyplot as plt

nest.set_verbosity("M_WARNING")
nest.ResetKernel()

Second, we create the two neurons and the recording device.

neuron_1 = nest.Create("iaf_psc_alpha")
neuron_2 = nest.Create("iaf_psc_alpha")
voltmeter = nest.Create("voltmeter")

Third, we set the external current of neuron 1.

neuron_1.I_e = 376.0

Fourth, we connect neuron 1 to neuron 2. Then, we connect a voltmeter to the two neurons. To learn more about the previous steps, please check out the one neuron example.

weight = 20.0
delay = 1.0

nest.Connect(neuron_1, neuron_2, syn_spec={"weight": weight, "delay": delay})
nest.Connect(voltmeter, neuron_1)
nest.Connect(voltmeter, neuron_2)

Now we simulate the network using Simulate, which takes the desired simulation time in milliseconds.

nest.Simulate(1000.0)

Finally, we plot the neurons’ membrane potential as a function of time.

nest.voltage_trace.from_device(voltmeter)
plt.show()