Modulation frequency response of a bistable system with noise

We present a method to construct a modulation frequency response curve for bistable systems in the presence of noise. To this end, a small sinusoidal modulation is applied to the system such that it switches between its two stable states. The response curve we construct yields information on the nature of the physical mechanism underlying the switching process and is furthermore comparable to the standard response curves of linear systems. Our semianalytical approach, which only needs approximate Kramer rates, is in good agreement with numerical simulations. The concept is applicable to a wide range of systems.