Spatial coherence resonance in neuronal media with discrete local dynamics

We study effects of spatiotemporal additive noise on the spatial dynamics of excitable neuronal media that is locally modelled by a two-dimensional map. We focus on the ability of noise to enhance a particular spatial frequency of the media in a resonant manner. We show that there exists an optimal noise intensity for which the inherent spatial periodicity of the media is resonantly pronounced, thus marking the existence of spatial coherence resonance in the studied system. Additionally, results are discussed in view of their possible biological importance. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.