Flexible perceptual encoding by discrete gamma events

Spatiotemporal patterns of activity in the neocortex are linked to cognitive processes underlying behavior. However, identifying discrete underlying events within highly dynamic cortical network fluctuations remains a critical challenge. Here, we demonstrate a novel analytical method to track network events underlying state-dependent β- (15-30Hz) and γ- (30-80Hz) range activity in mouse primary visual cortex (V1). We find that γ events are selectively associated with enhanced visual encoding by V1 neurons and γ event rate increases prior to visually-cued behavior, accurately predicting single trial visual detection. This relationship between γ events and behavior is sensory modality-specific and rapidly modulated by changes in task objectives. These findings illuminate a distinct role for transient patterns of cortical activity, indicating that γ supports flexible encoding according to behavioral context.