Randomness and pattern switchings on complex networks of excitable units

Gerrit Ansmann1, Klaus Lehnertz1, Ulrike Feudel2

1 Department of Epileptology, Helmholtz Institute for Radiation and Nuclear Physics, and Interdisciplinary Center for Complex Systems, University of Bonn
2 Theoretical Physics/Complex Systems, ICBM, and Research Center Neurosensory Science, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg


We study systems of FitzHugh-Nagumo units coupled with a small-world topology,
which feature randomness in their coupling topology as well as in their
control parameters. Despite having a deterministic dynamics, these systems are
capable of self-generating seemingly random switchings between different
global dynamical patterns. We discuss the mechanisms behind these switchings
and in particular show that the randomness of the setup, i.e., the coupling
topology and control parameters, plays an important role in facilitating this
phenomenon.