# field
defines non-metrical onset distributions: stochastic clouds, chaotic intervals, continuous-time drifts. used for naturalistic textures (rain, fire, random impulses) and non-cyclic materials.

each form outputs an explicit list of onset timestamps (in beats) over a finite window, resolved entirely at compile time.
this domain is complementary to `grid`; together they span the full onset space.

## overview
* `0` explicit list
  * description: user-supplied onset times, verbatim
  * real-world analogy: hand-annotated score, foley cue sheet
  * notes: reference / bypass form
* `1` poisson cloud
  * description: random events with constant average density
  * real-world analogy: light rain, geiger counter clicks
  * notes: `a` controls rate, `b` controls window length normalisation
* `2` logistic chaos
  * description: chaotic inter-event intervals derived from logistic map
  * real-world analogy: fluttering flames, unstable machinery
  * notes: `a` sets chaos parameter `r`, `b` scales average spacing
* `3` gaussian density curve
  * description: dense centre tapering to sparse edges (bell-shaped density)
  * real-world analogy: thunder burst, crowd applause swell
  * notes: `a` peak position, `b` spread
* `4` drift walk
  * description: random-walk deviations around a nominal period, accumulating drift
  * real-world analogy: human rubato, tape-loop wow & flutter
  * notes: `a` nominal period, `b` drift strength

## parameter behavior summary
* `0` explicit list
  * `a` (unused)
  * `b` (unused)
* `1` poisson cloud
  * `a` mean rate λ (events per beat)
  * `b` window proportion (0 → short, 1 → full segment)
* `2` logistic chaos
  * `a` chaos strength (`r` from 3.7 to 4.0)
  * `b` mean spacing scaler
* `3` gaussian density curve
  * `a` centre position (0 = start, 1 = end)
  * `b` width (small → narrow burst, large → wide spread)
* `4` drift walk
  * `a` base period (beats)
  * `b` drift coefficient (0 = stable, 1 = high drift)
all parameters: `a, b ∈ [0, 1]`.

## why these were chosen
* explicit list: passthrough for externally generated cues
* poisson cloud: canonical memory-less random process
* logistic chaos: deterministic yet aperiodic spacing
* gaussian density: shaped bursts common in natural phenomena
* drift walk: captures slow, accumulative timing variation

each form is perceptually distinct and cannot be reproduced by the others with only two parameters.

## what is not included
* continuous random noise at audio rate (belongs in synthesis layer)
* feedback-responsive timing (forbidden by static-schedule rule)
* infinite processes (all outputs are finite lists)

## conclusion
`field` fills the onset gaps left by `grid`, providing deterministic but non-metrical timing generators.
with both domains active, the composer can author anything from strict drum grooves to chaotic rainfall - all within the project's static, parametric framework.