Wilson, Marcus T.Steyn-Ross, D. AlistairSteyn-Ross, Moira L.Sleigh, James W.2014-03-032014-03-032008Wilson, M. T., Steyn-Ross, D. A., Steyn-Ross, M. L., & Sleigh, J. W. (2008). Describing the stochastic dynamics of neurons using Hamilton’s equations of classical mechanics. In Proceedings of the Australian Institute of Physics 18th National Congress, 30 November-5 December 2008, Adelaide, Australia.https://hdl.handle.net/10289/8538We consider the most likely behaviour of neuron models by formulating them in terms of Hamilton’s equations. Starting from a Lagrangian for a stochastic system, we describe how Hamilton’s equations of classical mechanics can be used to derive an equivalent description in terms of canonical co-ordinates and momenta. We give physical meaning to these generalized momenta; specifically they are linear combinations of the noise terms in the stochastic model. Pseudo-kinetic energy and potential energy terms are also derived. The conjugate momenta can be considered as growing modes, and by implication the most likely noise input to a system will grow exponentially at large times; this surprising prediction agrees with existing experimental work on a single neuron. For many-neuron models, multiple growing modes will exist, and the numerical analysis of these is more complicated; however, the approach may still provide insight on the more detailed dynamics of these systems.application/pdfenThis article has been published in proceedings of the Australian Institute of Physics 18th National Congress. © 2008 AIP.neuronsmodellingHamilton’s equationsbrain dynamicsConference Contribution