Generic transient memory formation in disordered systems with noise

TL;DR

This paper investigates how disordered systems can form and retain multiple transient memories of external stimuli, with noise playing a crucial role in preventing forgetting, exemplified by a model of non-Brownian suspensions under cyclic shear.

Contribution

It introduces a class of disordered systems capable of transient memory formation and demonstrates how noise can prevent memory loss, with a specific model example.

Findings

Systems can remember multiple inputs transiently.

Noise prevents long-term forgetting of memories.

Model of non-Brownian suspensions exhibits this behavior.

Abstract

Out-of-equilibrium disordered systems may form memories of external driving in a remarkable fashion. The system "remembers" multiple values from a series of training inputs yet "forgets" nearly all of them at long times despite the inputs being continually repeated. Here, learning and forgetting are inseparable aspects of a single process. The memory loss may be prevented by the addition of noise. We identify a class of systems with this behavior, giving as an example a model of non-brownian suspensions under cyclic shear.