Global Spatiotemporal Order and Induced Stochastic Resonance due to a Locally Applied Signal

Abstract

We study the phenomenon of spatiotemporal stochastic resonance (STSR) in a chain of diffusively coupled bistable oscillators. In particular, we examine the situation in which the \textit{global} STSR response is controlled by a \textit{locally applied signal} and reveal a wave front propagation. In order to deepen the understanding of the system dynamics, we introduce, on the time scale of STSR, the study of the effective statistical renormalization of a generic lattice system. Using this technique we provide a new criterion for STSR, and predict and observe numerically a bifurcation-like behaviour that reflects the difference between the most probable value of the local quasi-equilibrium density and its mean value. Our results, tested with a chain of nonlinear oscillators, appear to possess some universal qualities and may stimulate a deeper search for more generic phenomena