# Physical Principles for Scalable Neural Recording

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/1306.5709 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/1306.5709/

## Key facts

- Cited by 2 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 24 Jun 2013.

## Built on by (most cited first, 2 of 2)

- [Scaling Creative Inspiration with Fine-Grained Functional Aspects of Ideas](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2102.09761/) (2021)
- [iBrain: A Unified Foundation Model Reading the Brain from Surface to Spikes](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2609.06960/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Simultaneously measuring the activities of all neurons in a mammalian brain at millisecond resolution is a challenge beyond the limits of existing techniques in neuroscience. Entirely new approaches may be required, motivating an analysis of the fundamental physical constraints on the problem. We outline the physical principles governing brain activity mapping using optical, electrical,magnetic resonance, and molecular modalities of neural recording. Focusing on the mouse brain, we analyze the scalability of each method, concentrating on the limitations imposed by spatiotemporal resolution, energy dissipation, and volume displacement. We also study the physics of powering and communicating with microscale devices embedded in brain tissue.