Mixed-mode oscillations and chaos from a simple second-order oscillator under weak periodic perturbation

In this study, we propose a remarkably simple oscillator that exhibits extremely complicated behaviors. The second-order nonautonomous differential equation discussed in this Letter is considered to be one of the simplest dynamics that can produce mixed-mode oscillations (MMOs) and chaos. Our model uses a Bonhoeffer-van der Pol (BVP) oscillator under weak periodic perturbation. The parameter set of the BVP equation is chosen such that a focus and a relaxation oscillation coexist when no perturbation is applied. Under weak periodic perturbation, various types of MMOs and chaos with remarkably complicated waveforms are observed. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.