Control of coherence resonance in multiplex neural networks

TL;DR

This paper investigates how weak inter-layer coupling in multiplex neural networks can induce coherence resonance and related phenomena in silent neuronal populations, with implications for understanding neural dynamics.

Contribution

It demonstrates that minimal inter-layer links can trigger coherence resonance and related effects in silent layers of multiplex neural networks, expanding understanding of neural synchronization.

Findings

Weak inter-layer coupling induces CR, ACR, and ISR in silent layers.

A small number of inter-layer links suffices to induce these phenomena.

Results are consistent across small and large neuronal populations.

Abstract

We study the dynamics of two neuronal populations weakly and mutually coupled in a multiplexed ring configuration. We simulate the neuronal activity with the stochastic FitzHugh-Nagumo (FHN) model. The two neuronal populations perceive different levels of noise: one population exhibits spiking activity induced by supra-threshold noise (layer 1), while the other population is silent in the absence of inter-layer coupling because its own level of noise is sub-threshold (layer 2). We find that, for appropriate levels of noise in layer 1, weak inter-layer coupling can induce coherence resonance (CR), anti-coherence resonance (ACR) and inverse stochastic resonance (ISR) in layer 2. We also find that a small number of randomly distributed inter-layer links are sufficient to induce these phenomena in layer 2. Our results hold for small and large neuronal populations.