Spike-burst synchronization in an ensemble of electrically coupled discrete model neurons

In this paper, we study the dynamics of a system of two model neurons interacting via the electrical synapse. Each neuron is described by a two-dimensional discontinuous map. A chaotic relaxational-type attractor, which corresponds to the spiking-bursting chaotic oscillations of neurons is shown to exist in a four-dimensional phase space. It is found that the dynamical mechanism of formation of chaotic bursts is based on a new phenomenon of generation of transient chaotic oscillations. It is demonstrated that transition from the chaotic-burst generation to the state of relative rest occurs with a certain time delay. A new characteristic which estimates the degree of synchronization of the spiking-bursting oscillations is introduced. The dependence of the synchronization degree on the strength of coupling of the ensemble elements is studied.