Control of coherence resonance by self-induced stochastic resonance in a multiplex neural network

We consider a two-layer multiplex network of diffusively coupled FitzHugh-Nagumo (FHN) neurons in the excitable regime. It is shown, in contrast to SISR in a single isolated FHN neuron, that the maximum noise amplitude at which SISR occurs in the network of coupled FHN neurons is controllable, especially in the regime of strong coupling forces and long time delays. In order to use SISR in the first layer of the multiplex network to control CR in the second layer, we first choose the control parameters of the second layer in isolation such that in one case CR is poor and in another case, non-existent. It is then shown that a pronounced SISR cannot only significantly improve a poor CR, but can also induce a pronounced CR, which was non-existent in the isolated second layer. In contrast to strong intra-layer coupling forces, strong inter-layer coupling forces are found to enhance CR. While long inter-layer time delays just as long intra-layer time delays, deteriorates CR. Most importantly, we find that in a strong inter-layer coupling regime, SISR in the first layer performs better than CR in enhancing CR in the second layer. But in a weak inter-layer coupling regime, CR in the first layer performs better than SISR in enhancing CR in the second layer. Our results could find novel applications in noisy neural network dynamics and engineering.