Segment Merging

After Iterative Sorting, clusters are aligned across segments to preserve neuron identity over time. This step is very efficient — typically less than 1% of total processing time.

How is each cluster represented?

Each cluster is reduced to a compact amplitude vector — one value per channel — capturing its average waveform shape. This representation is fast to compare and robust to minor distortions.

How is drift handled?

SpikeSift simulates small vertical shifts along the probe axis — up to a user-defined maximum \(D_{\max}\) (max_drift). Each shift adjusts amplitude vectors using linear interpolation, approximating how waveforms change as a neuron moves relative to the probe.

How are clusters matched?

For each candidate shift, SpikeSift finds the best one-to-one matching between clusters in adjacent segments. The shift with the lowest total assignment cost is selected.