Gain modulation unlocks phase plasticity, thus allowing for malleable nonlinear dynamics

Abstract: Nonlinear dynamics emerge through either nonlinear interactions between the variables or through nonlinearities imposed on their linear interactions. Their interactions can be conceptualized as modulations of input-output (I/O) functions, where one variable modulates another variable's I/O function. Within this framework, nonlinear interactions are manifested as gain modulations, where the gain (i.e. slope) of a variable's I/O function is modulated by another variable. By analyzing oscillatory dynamics in modulation phase space, I show that gain modulation qualitatively enhances phase plasticity by loosening the relationship between oscillation phase and instantaneous gain. This finding reveals how gain modulation renders nonlinear dynamics more adaptable. I discuss the direct implications of this finding on the ability of any nonlinear system to get entrained to rhythmic input and synchronize with other systems and how it relates to neural dynamics.