Vibration-resonance chimeras in coupled excitable systems with heterogeneous aperiodic excitations

In this work, we present a novel chimera-like state known as the vibration-resonance chimera (VRC) state, which is induced by heterogeneous aperiodic (HA) excitations and emerges within the optimal range of amplitude for the HA excitations. We investigate the dynamic behaviors of the FitzHugh-Nagumo model in relation to HA excitations and coupling strength in parameter spaces, identifying specific regions where VRC states exist and analyzing the transition mechanisms between different dynamic behaviors. Using basin stability measures, we find that the mean period of HA excitations affects the multi-stable states of neural systems. Specifically, the model excited by HA excitations with a larger mean period is more likely to exhibit multi-stable states. Additionally, we explore the effects of two levels of heterogeneity in HA excitations, namely amplitude heterogeneity and period heterogeneity, on VRC states. Amplitude heterogeneity can suppress the occurrence of VRC states, whereas period heterogeneity can promote their generation. This work provides valuable insights into complex system dynamics, enhancing our understanding of chimera states in neuronal models and their potential applications in neural networks.