arXiv · 2602.05147
Auditory frequency analysis as an active dissipative process
Abstract
An active dissipative process organizes auditory frequency analysis in the mammalian cochlea. A minimal active beam model reveals that a spatially varying viscous coupling operator, $\partial_{xx}\kappa\partial_{xx}$, generates dissipative forces with wave--like propagation. Local energy injection and spatial redistribution compete to govern the dynamics. This balance enables the quantitative reproduction of four key features: sharp tuning, high gain, compression, and spontaneous otoacoustic emissions. Hearing thereby belongs to a broad class of nonequilibrium pattern-forming systems.
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Yasuki Murakami. 2026-02-05. Auditory frequency analysis as an active dissipative process. https://arxiv.org/abs/2602.05147
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