Stochastic analysis of a Hopf bifurcation: Master equation approach

The effect of inhomogeneous fluctuations in a reaction-diffusion system exhibiting a Hopf bifurcation is analyzed using the master equation approach. A Taylor expansion of the logarithm of the stationary probability, known as the stochastic potential, is calculated. This procedure displays marked analogies with the theory of normal forms. The critical potential, reduced to its local expansion around an arbitrary point of the limit cycle, brings out the essential role played by the phase of the oscillating variables. A comparison with the Langevin analysis of Walgraefet al. [J. Chem. Phys.78(6):3043 (1983)] is performed.