We consider the effect of external noise on the dynamics of limit cycle oscillators. The Lyapunov exponent becomes negative under influence of small white noise, what means synchronization of two or more identical systems subject to common noise. We analytically study the effect of small nonidentities in the oscillators and in the noise, and derive statistical characteristics of deviations from the perfect synchrony. Large white noise can lead to desynchronization of oscillators, provided they are nonisochronous. This is demonstrated for the Van der Pol–Duffing system.

• Received 12 January 2005

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.71.045201