Noise enhanced propagation

We use noise to extend signal propagation in one- and two-dimensional arrays of two-way coupled bistable oscillators. In a numerical model, we sinusoidally force one end of a chain of noisy oscillators. We record a signal-to-noise ratio at each oscillator. We demonstrate that moderate noise significantly extends the propagation of the sinusoidal input. Oscillators far from the input, where noise extends the signal, exhibit a classical stochastic resonance. We obtain similar results with two-dimensional arrays. The simplicity of the model suggests the generality of the phenomenon. [S0031-9007(98)07826-0].