Selective spatial attention involves two alpha-band components associated with distinct spatiotemporal and functional characteristics

Abstract Attention is crucial for efficiently coordinating resources over multiple objects in a visual scene. Recently, a growing number of studies suggest that attention is implemented through a temporal organization process during which resources are dynamically allocated over a multitude of objects, yet the associated neural evidence, particularly in low-level sensory areas, is still limited. Here we used EEG recordings in combination with a temporal response function (TRF) approach to examine the spatiotemporal characteristics of neuronal impulse response in covert selective attention. We demonstrate two distinct alpha-band components – one in post-central parietal area and one in contralateral occipital area – that are involved in coordinating neural representations of attended and unattended stimuli. Specifically, consistent with previous findings, the central alpha-band component showed enhanced activities for unattended versus attended stimuli within the first 200 ms temporal lag of TRF response, suggesting its inhibitory function in attention. In contrast, the contralateral occipital component displayed relatively earlier activation for the attended than unattended one in the TRF response. Furthermore, the central component but not the occipital component was correlated with attentional behavioral performance. Finally, the parietal area exerted directional influences on the occipital activity through alpha-band rhythm. Taken together, spatial attention involves two hierarchically organized alpha-band components that are associated with distinct spatiotemporal characteristics and presumably play different functions.