Abstract
Nonlinear compression of periodic signals is a key feature of the active amplifier in inner ear organs of all vertebrates. Different exponents of the sensitivity vs forcing amplitude have been observed. Here we calculate analytically the local exponent for a generic oscillator, the normal form of a Hopf bifurcation driven by noise and a periodic signal. For weak noise and sufficient distance from the bifurcation on the unstable side, the exponent may be close to for moderate forcing amplitudes beyond linear response. Such strong compression is also found in a model of hair bundle motility.
- Received 17 April 2009
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.103.250601
©2009 American Physical Society