Signal propagation of a feedforward neural network under electromagnetic stimulation

doi:10.1088/1674-1056/ae5218

Abstract Cortical networks exhibit distinct layered characteristics, with neurons in each layer collectively responsible for the transmission and processing of external signals. Information transfer between different regions and layers of the cerebral cortex is crucial for information processing in the nervous system. Investigating signal propagation among neural networks helps us understand the top-down or bottom-up information transmission mechanisms of the nervous system. In this study, a five-layer feedforward neural network with time delay was constructed. By calculating the discharge timing, signal-to-noise ratio, and population Fano factor of the multi-layer neural network, the characteristics of signal propagation between different levels of the nervous system under electromagnetic stimulation were investigated. The results show that the delay time has a significant impact on signal propagation; under appropriate delay time conditions, the neural network can achieve effective signal propagation. Electromagnetic stimulation can significantly improve the signal-to-noise ratio of neural network signal propagation, shorten the signal propagation time, and enhance the stability of signal propagation. This study not only provides an important theoretical basis for revealing the regulatory mechanisms of signal transmission between different levels of the nervous system but also offers useful references for the future development of electromagnetic neural modulation technologies and the treatment of diseases related to impaired signal transmission in the nervous system.

Keywords: neural networks signal propagation electromagnetic stimulation time delay

Received: 06 January 2026
Revised: 13 March 2026
Accepted manuscript online: 16 March 2026

PACS:	83.60.Np	(Effects of electric and magnetic fields)
	87.19.lj	(Neuronal network dynamics)
	87.19.lq	(Neuronal wave propagation)

Fund: This project was supported by the Tianjin Municipal Education Commission Scientific Research Program Project (Grant No. 2025KJ149).

Corresponding Authors: Huilan Yang
E-mail: hlyang@tjcu.edu.cn

Cite this article:

Huilan Yang(杨惠兰), Wei Zhang(张伟), and Junjie Bao(包俊杰) Signal propagation of a feedforward neural network under electromagnetic stimulation 2026 Chin. Phys. B 35 068301

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Signal propagation of a feedforward neural network under electromagnetic stimulation

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