Nonlinear dynamic elements with noisy sinusoidal forcing: Enhancing response via nonlinear coupling

We consider a network of nonlinear dynamic elements with nonlinear, global coupling, subject to noise and a time-periodic signal. The system response, characterized by its signal-to-noise ratio, is computed via approximate analytic techniques and precise numerical simulations. We find that cooperative effects arising from the noise and coupling lead to an enhancement of the response of the network over that of a single element.