We seek an explanation for the neurophysiological phenomenon of event-related desynchronization (ERD) by using models of diffusively coupled nonlinear oscillators. We demonstrate that when the strength of the event is sufficient, ERD is found to emerge and the accomplishment of a behavioral or functional task is determined by the nature of the desynchronized state. We illustrate the phenomenon for the case of limit cycle and chaotic systems. We numerically demonstrate the occurrence of ERD and provide an analytical explanation. We also discuss possible applications of the observed phenomenon in real physical systems other than the brain.

• Received 13 May 2009

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.103.074101