Coherence-resonance chimeras in a network of excitable elements

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel type of chimera state called coherence-resonance chimeras, observed in noisy, nonlocally coupled excitable systems, combining noise-induced coherence resonance with spatially distinct coherent and incoherent domains.

Contribution

It demonstrates the existence of coherence-resonance chimeras in excitable networks with noise, expanding understanding of chimera phenomena beyond deterministic oscillatory systems.

Findings

Coherence-resonance chimeras exhibit alternating coherent and incoherent domains.

Noise plays a constructive role in generating these chimera states.

The phenomenon may have implications for understanding neuronal network dynamics.

Abstract

We demonstrate that chimera behavior can be observed in nonlocally coupled networks of excitable systems in the presence of noise. This phenomenon is distinct from classical chimeras, which occur in deterministic oscillatory systems, and it combines temporal features of coherence resonance, i.e., the constructive role of noise, and spatial properties of chimera states, i.e., coexistence of spatially coherent and incoherent domains in a network of identical elements. Coherence-resonance chimeras are associated with alternating switching of the location of coherent and incoherent domains, which might be relevant in neuronal networks.