Master-slave synchronization in chaotic discrete-time oscillators - art. no. 011108

In this paper, we study a simple discrete-time neural oscillator model that , in certain parameter regimes, exhibits periodic or chaotic dynamics. The present model with intrinsically chaotic dynamics is capable of spatiotempo ral information processing: in response to constant external stimulation, t he oscillator can switch into different chaotic states restricted to distin ct parts of the phase space. Of particular interest is the processing of ti me-dependent input in a master-slave configuration of two coupled oscillato rs. Here, the response of an oscillator is studied by driving it with the s ignal of the other. Following the input, the response system adapts to the state of the drive. For a chaotic drive, we can observe generalized synchro nization. The onset of adaptation to the drive state by the response is acc ompanied by on-off intermittency resulting in irregular bursting behavior.