Master stability functions of networks of Izhikevich neurons.

Abstract

Synchronization has attracted interest in many areas where the systems under study can be described by complex networks. Among such areas is neuroscience, where it is hypothesized that synchronization plays a role in many functions and dysfunctions of the brain. We study the linear stability of synchronized states in networks of Izhikevich neurons using master stability functions (MSFs), and to accomplish that, we exploit the formalism of saltation matrices. Such a tool allows us to calculate the Lyapunov exponents of the MSF properly since the Izhikevich model displays a discontinuity within its spikes. We consider both electrical and chemical couplings as well as global and cluster synchronized states. The MSF calculations are compared with a measure of the synchronization error for simulated networks. We give special attention to the case of electric and chemical coupling, where a riddled basin of attraction makes the synchronized solution more sensitive to perturbations.