Microscopic Variability Alters Macroscopic Rotation Speed in Stochastic Spiral Waves
Abstract
We present a general theory for noise-induced corrections to the angular velocity of spiral waves. Stochasticity produces two second-order effects: an instantaneous term from heterogeneity that always slows rotation, and an orbital-drift term from temporal fluctuations that can either accelerate or decelerate it. For our parameters, orbital drift is weaker, producing a net slowdown. Analytical predictions match Barkley-model simulations with temporal noise. Examination of additional noise types in silico confirms angular velocity slowing. This mechanism provides a robust route by which stochasticity reshapes spiral dynamics in excitable media, with direct implications for arrhythmias and neural wave propagation.
Cite
@article{arxiv.2511.21710,
title = {Microscopic Variability Alters Macroscopic Rotation Speed in Stochastic Spiral Waves},
author = {Jolien Kamphuis and Desmond Kabus and Hermen Jan Hupkes and Tim De Coster},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2511.21710},
year = {2025}
}
Comments
6 pages, 2 figures, 2 appendix pages, 1 appendix figure