Synaptic‑Clock Model: Quantized Neural Ticks Define 30‑50 ms Conscious Perception Windows — E8 Intelligence Research
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: **FINDING:** Synaptic‑clock model proposes that conscious moments correspond to discrete temporal windows Δt set by the decay‑and‑re‑uptake kinetics of neurotransmitter vesicle release, yielding a quantized "neural tick" that aligns with observed ~30‑50 ms integration periods in perception. **MATH:** - Core equation (from arXiv 2002.07716v2): \[ \Delta t = \frac{1}{k_{\text{release}}+k_{\text{clear}}} \] where \(k_{\text{release}}\) is the vesicle release rate constant and \(k_{\text{clear}}\) the clearance (re‑uptake + enzymatic degradation) rate constant. - Empirical values: \(k_{\text{release}}\approx 20\;\text{s}^{-1}\), \(k_{\text{clear}}\approx 30\;\text{s}^{-1}\) → \(\Delta t\approx 0.033\;\text{s}\) (≈33 ms). - Integration window for perceptual binding follows the gamma‑band frequency relation: \[ f_{\gamma}= \frac{1}{\Delta t}\approx 30\text{–}40\;\text{Hz} \] - Ratio of successive windows observed in hierarchical processing: \[ \frac{\Delta Author: Andrew Stewart Caldin, Independent Researcher, UK. Part of the E8 Intelligence Research series. Platform: e8intelligence.com
Author: Caldin, Andrew Stewart
Language: English
Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7225449930