We describe a new realization of stochastic resonance, applicable to a broad class of systems, based on an underlying excitable dynamics with deterministic reinjection. A simple but general theory of such ‘‘single-trigger’’ systems is compared with analog simulations of the Fitzhugh-Nagumo model, as well as experimental data obtained from stimulated sensory neurons in the crayfish.

• Received 12 November 1993

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.72.2125