A general coupled-nonlinear-oscillator model for event-related (de)synchronization

Abstract

Changes in the level of synchronization and desynchronization in coupled oscillator systems due to an external stimulus are called event-related synchronization or desynchronization (ERS or ERD). Such changes occur in real-life systems where the collective activity of the entities of a coupled system is affected by some external influence. In order to understand the role played by the external influence in the occurrence of ERD and ERS, we study a system of coupled nonlinear oscillators in the presence of an external stimulus signal. We find that the phenomena of ERS and ERD are generic and occur in all types of coupled oscillator systems. We also find that the same external stimulus signal can cause ERS and ERD depending upon the strength of the signal. We identify the stability of the ERS and ERD states and also find analytical and numerical boundaries between the different synchronization regimes involved in the occurrence of ERD and ERS.