STOCHASTIC RESONANCE
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(2) |
| ID | ◀ 3208 ▶ |
| Object type | Methodology or model |
The amplification of a specific signal through a random noise .
This phenomenon has been described by the Italian physicists R. BENZI, A. SUTERA and A. VULPIANI (see K.S. BROWN, 1996, p.28-31).
In some cases, the very small impact of the random noise on the signal that may become significant as a trigger for a specific process , is sufficient to push the signal over the brink of effectiveness . This model has been used by the Italian physicists as a possible explanation for the periodic ushering of ice ages. Other examples are also known. A similar effect could explain the sudden magnification from quite small transactions in the stock market into a generalized panic. In all these cases, of course, the affected system must be close to some instability threshold . Still another hypothetical possible case would be a massive change in the oceanic waters circulation patterns , for example as a result of partial desalinization of superficial waters by a massive flow of non-salted water due to partial or total deglaciation of the poles.
As stated by R. VALLÉE, noise can be an excellent structure displayer, even at macroscopic level (1990, p.55).
Stochastic resonance could conceivably used to produce some trigger effects , or explain some whose direct cause is not clear. For more, see P. Mc CLINTOCK and D. E. LUCHINSKY (1999, p.37-39)
See also
Order from noise