STOCHASTIC RESONANCE AS A CRISIS IN A PERIOD-DOUBLED CIRCUIT

Stochastic resonance, a phenomenon in which random transitions between states in a multistate system are modulated by an external periodic s ignal, is usually studied statistically. In an experiment with a perio d-doubled circuit, we observe transitions between the two phases of th e response induced by noise or chaos. Adding a weak periodic modulatio n allows us to observe stochastic resonance. It is also noted that tra nsitions between phases are caused by a crisis which may be observed i n the circuit. As a result, we are able to describe stochastic resonan ce with the techniques of deterministic dynamics, providing a link bet ween the fields of deterministic and stochastic mechanics.