We analyze the effect of small-amplitude noise and heterogeneity in a network of coupled excitable oscillators with strong timescale separation. Using mean-field analysis, we uncover the mechanism of a nontrivial effect—diversity-induced decoherence (DIDC)—in which heterogeneity modulates the mechanism of self-induced stochastic resonance to inhibit the coherence of oscillations. We argue that DIDC may offer one possible mechanism via which, in excitable neural systems, generic heterogeneity and background noise can synergistically prevent unwanted resonances that may be related to hyperkinetic movement disorders.

Close

PrevNext

View figure in article

• Biological neural networks
• Neuronal dynamics
• Noise-induced transitions
• Stochastic resonance