STOCHASTIC RESONANCE - TUTORIAL AND UPDATE

Stochastic resonance is by now a well studied phenomenon whereby certain nonlinear systems, subject to weak input signals, have the property that the presentation of stochastic forcing, or ''noise,'' can enhance the coherence of the output. Since its introduction in 1981, this curious phenomenon has been the object of much study, yet a number of questions remain. In addition to offering an update to recent reviews, we hope here to set the stage with a brief tutorial, raise some questions and then to offer a speculative look towards the future.