Heterogeneity-provoked pulse generation in coupled excitable elements.

Pulse generation in a spatially extended system is studied numerically. Using an array of coupled excitable oscillators, pulse generation is achieved by introducing a parametric heterogeneity between the two partitions of the array. The profile of the propagating pulses can be regulated using the parameter mismatch between these two partitions. It is realized, using a simplified two linearly coupled model, that the coupling flux between the excitable elements plays a vital role in enabling the observed pulse propagation. Analytical treatment, involving linear stability analysis, validates the simulation results.