Image for leaky integrate-and-fire neuron

leaky integrate-and-fire neuron

A leaky integrate-and-fire neuron is a simplified model of how nerve cells process signals. It accumulates incoming electrical signals over time, similar to filling a bucket. If enough signals build up to a certain threshold, the neuron "fires," sending an electrical impulse onwards. Between signals, the neuron’s charge gradually decreases or "leaks," preventing indefinite buildup. This process captures the core behavior of real neurons: integrating inputs, leaking over time, and firing when sufficiently stimulated, helping us understand brain activity and how neural networks operate.