Noise-Induced Coherence in Neural Networks

We investigate numerically the dynamics of large networks of N globally pulse-coupled integrate and fire neutrons in a noise-induced synchronized state. The power spectrum of an individual element within the network is shown to exhibit in the thermodynamic limit (N→∞) a broadband peak and an additional delta-function peak that is absent from the power spectrum of an isolated element. The power spectrum of the mean output signal exhibits only the delta-function peak. These results are explained analytically in an exactly soluble oscillator model with global phase coupling.