Short wavelength bifurcations and size instabilities in coupled oscillator systems

Scalable synchronization cluster in networked chaotic oscillators

Cluster synchronization in synthetic networks of coupled chaotic oscillators is investigated. It is found that despite the asymmetric nature of the network structure, a subset of the oscillators can be synchronized as a cluster while the other oscillators remain desynchronized. Interestingly, with the increase in the coupling strength, the cluster is expanding gradually by recruiting the desynchronized oscillators one by one. This new synchronization phenomenon, which is named "scalable synchronization cluster," is explored theoretically by the method of eigenvector-based analysis, and it is revealed that the scalability of the cluster is attributed to the unique feature of the eigenvectors of the network coupling matrix. The transient dynamics of the cluster in response to random perturbations are also studied, and it is shown that in restoring to the synchronization state, oscillators inside the cluster are stabilized in sequence, illustrating again the hierarchy of the oscillators. The findings shed new light on the collective behaviors of networked chaotic oscillators and are helpful for the design of real-world networks where scalable synchronization clusters are concerned.

Synchronizability of directed networks: The power of non-existent ties

The understanding of how synchronization in directed networks is influenced by structural changes in network topology is far from complete. While the addition of an edge always promotes synchronization in a wide class of undirected networks, this addition may impede synchronization in directed networks. In this paper, we develop the augmented graph stability method, which allows for explicitly connecting the stability of synchronization to changes in network topology. The transformation of a directed network into a symmetrized-and-augmented undirected network is the central component of this new method. This transformation is executed by symmetrizing and weighting the underlying connection graph and adding new undirected edges with consideration made for the mean degree imbalance of each pair of nodes. These new edges represent "non-existent ties" in the original directed network and often control the location of critical nodes whose directed connections can be altered to manipulate the stability of synchronization in a desired way. In particular, we show that the addition of small-world shortcuts to directed networks, which makes "non-existent ties" disappear, can worsen the synchronizability, thereby revealing a destructive role of small-world connections in directed networks. An extension of our method may open the door to studying synchronization in directed multilayer networks, which cannot be effectively handled by the eigenvalue-based methods.

Cluster synchronization in networked nonidentical chaotic oscillators

In exploring oscillator synchronization, a general observation is that as the oscillators become nonidentical, e.g., introducing parameter mismatch among the oscillators, the propensity for synchronization will be deteriorated. Yet in realistic systems, parameter mismatch is unavoidable and even worse in some circumstances, the oscillators might follow different types of dynamics. Considering the significance of synchronization to the functioning of many realistic systems, it is natural to ask the following question: Can synchronization be achieved in networked oscillators of clearly different parameters or dynamics? Here, by the model of networked chaotic oscillators, we are able to demonstrate and argue that, despite the presence of parameter mismatch (or different dynamics), stable synchronization can still be achieved on symmetric complex networks. Specifically, we find that when the oscillators are configured on the network in such a way that the symmetric nodes have similar parameters (or follow the same type of dynamics), cluster synchronization can be generated. The stabilities of the cluster synchronization states are analyzed by the method of symmetry-based stability analysis, with the theoretical predictions in good agreement with the numerical results. Our study sheds light on the interplay between symmetry and cluster synchronization in complex networks and give insights into the functionalities of realistic systems where nonidentical nonlinear oscillators are presented and cluster synchronization is crucial.

Intermittent stickiness synchronization

This work uses the statistical properties of finite-time Lyapunov exponents (FTLEs) to investigate the intermittent stickiness synchronization (ISS) observed in the mixed phase space of high-dimensional Hamiltonian systems. Full stickiness synchronization (SS) occurs when all FTLEs from a chaotic trajectory tend to zero for arbitrarily long time windows. This behavior is a consequence of the sticky motion close to regular structures which live in the high-dimensional phase space and affects all unstable directions proportionally by the same amount, generating a kind of collective motion. Partial SS occurs when at least one FTLE approaches zero. Thus, distinct degrees of partial SS may occur, depending on the values of nonlinearity and coupling parameters, on the dimension of the phase space, and on the number of positive FTLEs. Through filtering procedures used to precisely characterize the sticky motion, we are able to compute the algebraic decay exponents of the ISS and to obtain remarkable evidence about the existence of a universal behavior related to the decay of time correlations encoded in such exponents. In addition we show that even though the probability of finding full SS is small compared to partial SSs, the full SS may appear for very long times due to the slow algebraic decay of time correlations in mixed phase space. In this sense, observations of very late intermittence between chaotic motion and full SS become rare events.

Perturbation analysis and comparison of network synchronization methods

In many networked systems, synchronization is important and useful, and how to enhance synchronizability is an interesting problem. Based on the matrix perturbation theory, we analyze five methods of network synchronization enhancement, including the link removal, node removal, dividing hub node, pull control, and pinning control methods, and obtain explicit expressions for eigenvalue changes. By these comparisons, we find that, among all these methods, the pull control method is remarkable, as it can extend the synchronization (coupling strength) region from both the left and right sides, for any controlled node. Extensive simulation results are given to support the accuracy of the perturbation-based analysis.

Time-varying multiplex network: Intralayer and interlayer synchronization

A large class of engineered and natural systems, ranging from transportation networks to neuronal networks, are best represented by multiplex network architectures, namely a network composed of two or more different layers where the mutual interaction in each layer may differ from other layers. Here we consider a multiplex network where the intralayer coupling interactions are switched stochastically with a characteristic frequency. We explore the intralayer and interlayer synchronization of such a time-varying multiplex network. We find that the analytically derived necessary condition for intralayer and interlayer synchronization, obtained by the master stability function approach, is in excellent agreement with our numerical results. Interestingly, we clearly find that the higher frequency of switching links in the layers enhances both intralayer and interlayer synchrony, yielding larger windows of synchronization. Further, we quantify the resilience of synchronous states against random perturbations, using a global stability measure based on the concept of basin stability, and this reveals that intralayer coupling strength is most crucial for determining both intralayer and interlayer synchrony. Lastly, we investigate the robustness of interlayer synchronization against a progressive demultiplexing of the multiplex structure, and we find that for rapid switching of intralayer links, the interlayer synchronization persists even when a large number of interlayer nodes are disconnected.

Synchronization of chaotic systems

We review some of the history and early work in the area of synchronization in chaotic systems. We start with our own discovery of the phenomenon, but go on to establish the historical timeline of this topic back to the earliest known paper. The topic of synchronization of chaotic systems has always been intriguing, since chaotic systems are known to resist synchronization because of their positive Lyapunov exponents. The convergence of the two systems to identical trajectories is a surprise. We show how people originally thought about this process and how the concept of synchronization changed over the years to a more geometric view using synchronization manifolds. We also show that building synchronizing systems leads naturally to engineering more complex systems whose constituents are chaotic, but which can be tuned to output various chaotic signals. We finally end up at a topic that is still in very active exploration today and that is synchronization of dynamical systems in networks of oscillators.

Cyclic synchronous patterns in coupled discontinuous maps

Cyclic collective behaviors are commonly observed in biological and neuronal systems, yet the dynamical origins remain unclear. Here, by models of coupled discontinuous map lattices, we investigate the cyclic collective behaviors by means of cluster synchronization. Specifically, we study the synchronization behaviors in lattices of coupled periodic piecewise-linear maps and find that in the nonsynchronous regime the maps can be synchronized into different clusters and, as the system evolves, the synchronous clusters compete with each other and present the recurring process of cluster expanding, shrinking, and switching, i.e., showing the cyclic synchronous patterns. The dynamical mechanisms of cyclic synchronous patterns are explored, and the crucial roles of basin distribution are revealed. Moreover, due to the discontinuity feature of the map, the cyclic patterns are found to be very sensitive to the system initial conditions and parameters, based on which we further propose an efficient method for controlling the cyclic synchronous patterns.

Synchronization dynamics in the presence of coupling delays and phase shifts

In systems of coupled oscillators, the effects of complex signaling can be captured by time delays and phase shifts. Here, we show how time delays and phase shifts lead to different oscillator dynamics and how synchronization rates can be regulated by substituting time delays by phase shifts at a constant collective frequency. For spatially extended systems with time delays, we show that the fastest synchronization can occur for intermediate wavelengths, giving rise to novel synchronization scenarios.

Synchronization transition in networked chaotic oscillators: the viewpoint from partial synchronization

Synchronization transition in networks of nonlocally coupled chaotic oscillators is investigated. It is found that in reaching the state of global synchronization the networks can stay in various states of partial synchronization. The stability of the partial synchronization states is analyzed by the method of eigenvalue analysis, in which the important roles of the network topological symmetry on synchronization transition are identified. Moreover, for networks possessing multiple topological symmetries, it is found that the synchronization transition can be divided into different stages, with each stage characterized by a unique synchronous pattern of the oscillators. Synchronization transitions in networks of nonsymmetric topology and nonidentical oscillators are also investigated, where the partial synchronization states, although unstable, are found to be still playing important roles in the transitions.

Cluster synchronization induced by one-node clusters in networks with asymmetric negative couplings

This paper deals with the problem of cluster synchronization in networks with asymmetric negative couplings. By decomposing the coupling matrix into three matrices, and employing Lyapunov function method, sufficient conditions are derived for cluster synchronization. The conditions show that the couplings of multi-node clusters from one-node clusters have beneficial effects on cluster synchronization. Based on the effects of the one-node clusters, an effective and universal control scheme is put forward for the first time. The obtained results may help us better understand the relation between cluster synchronization and cluster structures of the networks. The validity of the control scheme is confirmed through two numerical simulations, in a network with no cluster structure and in a scale-free network.

Intermittent and sustained periodic windows in networked chaotic Rössler oscillators

Route to chaos (or periodicity) in dynamical systems is one of fundamental problems. Here, dynamical behaviors of coupled chaotic Rössler oscillators on complex networks are investigated and two different types of periodic windows with the variation of coupling strength are found. Under a moderate coupling, the periodic window is intermittent, and the attractors within the window extremely sensitively depend on the initial conditions, coupling parameter, and topology of the network. Therefore, after adding or removing one edge of network, the periodic attractor can be destroyed and substituted by a chaotic one, or vice versa. In contrast, under an extremely weak coupling, another type of periodic window appears, which insensitively depends on the initial conditions, coupling parameter, and network. It is sustained and unchanged for different types of network structure. It is also found that the phase differences of the oscillators are almost discrete and randomly distributed except that directly linked oscillators more likely have different phases. These dynamical behaviors have also been generally observed in other networked chaotic oscillators.

Optimal synchronizability of bearings

Bearings are mechanical dissipative systems that, when perturbed, relax toward a synchronized (bearing) state. Here we find that bearings can be perceived as physical realizations of complex networks of oscillators with asymmetrically weighted couplings. Accordingly, these networks can exhibit optimal synchronization properties through fine-tuning of the local interaction strength as a function of node degree [Motter, Zhou, and Kurths, Phys. Rev. E 71, 016116 (2005)]. We show that, in analogy, the synchronizability of bearings can be maximized by counterbalancing the number of contacts and the inertia of their constituting rotor disks through the mass-radius relation, m~r(α), with an optimal exponent α=α(×) which converges to unity for a large number of rotors. Under this condition, and regardless of the presence of a long-tailed distribution of disk radii composing the mechanical system, the average participation per disk is maximized and the energy dissipation rate is homogeneously distributed among elementary rotors.

Synchronous patterns in complex systems

When a complex network is slightly desynchronized, a few of the network nodes will be escaping from the uniform synchronization background frequently with a random fashion, leading to the intermittent network synchronization. Here, based on the eigenvectors of the network coupling matrix, we propose a new method which is able to figure out the unstable nodes in the general case of desynchronized complex networks. Moreover, with this method, we are also able to regulate the seemingly random network dynamics into stable and visible synchronous patterns. The efficiency of this method is verified by a variety of network models, including varying the network structures, the node local dynamics, and the desynchronization types. Our studies show that, even for the complex network systems, synchronous patterns can still be identified and characterized.

Type of spiral wave with trapped ions

Pattern formation in ultracold quantum systems has recently received a great deal of attention. In this work, we investigate a two-dimensional model system simulating the dynamics of trapped ions. We find a spiral wave that is rigidly rotating, but with a peculiar core region in which adjacent ions oscillate in antiphase. The formation of this spiral wave is ascribed to the excitability previously reported by Lee and Cross. The breakup of the spiral wave is probed and, especially, an extraordinary scenario of the disappearance of the spiral wave, caused by spontaneous expansion of the antiphase core, is unveiled.

Synchronization in counter-rotating oscillators

An oscillatory system can have opposite senses of rotation, clockwise or anticlockwise. We present a general mathematical description of how to obtain counter-rotating oscillators from the definition of a dynamical system. A type of mixed synchronization emerges in counter-rotating oscillators under diffusive scalar coupling when complete synchronization and antisynchronization coexist in different state variables. We present numerical examples of limit cycle van der Pol oscillator and chaotic Rössler and Lorenz systems. Stability conditions of mixed synchronization are analytically obtained for both Rössler and Lorenz systems. Experimental evidences of counter-rotating limit cycle and chaotic oscillators and mixed synchronization are given in electronic circuits.

Desynchronization bifurcation of coupled nonlinear dynamical systems

We analyze the desynchronization bifurcation in the coupled Rössler oscillators. After the bifurcation the coupled oscillators move away from each other with a square root dependence on the parameter. We define system transverse Lyapunov exponents (STLE), and in the desynchronized state one is positive while the other is negative. We give a simple model of coupled integrable systems with quadratic nonlinearity that shows a similar phenomenon. We conclude that desynchronization is a pitchfork bifurcation of the transverse manifold. Cubic nonlinearity also shows the bifurcation, but in this case the STLEs are both negative.

Projective synchronization of two coupled excitable spiral waves

Interaction of two identical excitable spiral waves in a bilayer system is studied. We find that the two spiral waves can be completely synchronized if the coupling strength is sufficiently large. Prior to the complete synchronization, we find a new type of weak synchronization between the two coupled systems, i.e., the spiral wave of the driven system has the same geometric shape as the spiral wave of the driving system but with a much lower amplitude. This general behavior, called projective synchronization of two spiral waves, is similar to projective synchronization of two coupled nonlinear oscillators, which has been extensively studied before. The underlying mechanism is uncovered by the study of pulse collision in one-dimensional systems.

Coevolution of synchronous activity and connectivity in coupled chaotic oscillators

We investigate the coevolution dynamics of node activities and coupling strengths in coupled chaotic oscillators via a simple threshold adaptive scheme. The coupling strength is synchronous activity regulated, which in turn is able to boost the synchronization remarkably. In the case of weak coupling, the globally coupled oscillators present a highly clustered functional connectivity with a power-law distribution in the tail with γ≃3.1 , while for strong coupling, they self-organize into a network with a heterogeneously rich connectivity at the onset of synchronization but exhibit rather sparse structure to maintain the synchronization in noisy environment. The relevance of the results is briefly discussed.

STDP in Oscillatory Recurrent Networks: Theoretical Conditions for Desynchronization and Applications to Deep Brain Stimulation

Highly synchronized neural networks can be the source of various pathologies such as Parkinson's disease or essential tremor. Therefore, it is crucial to better understand the dynamics of such networks and the conditions under which a high level of synchronization can be observed. One of the key factors that influences the level of synchronization is the type of learning rule that governs synaptic plasticity. Most of the existing work on synchronization in recurrent networks with synaptic plasticity are based on numerical simulations and there is a clear lack of a theoretical framework for studying the effects of various synaptic plasticity rules. In this paper we derive analytically the conditions for spike-timing dependent plasticity (STDP) to lead a network into a synchronized or a desynchronized state. We also show that under appropriate conditions bistability occurs in recurrent networks governed by STDP. Indeed, a pathological regime with strong connections and therefore strong synchronized activity, as well as a physiological regime with weaker connections and lower levels of synchronization are found to coexist. Furthermore, we show that with appropriate stimulation, the network dynamics can be pushed to the low synchronization stable state. This type of therapeutical stimulation is very different from the existing high-frequency stimulation for deep brain stimulation since once the stimulation is stopped the network stays in the low synchronization regime.

Hidden imperfect synchronization of wall turbulence

Instantaneous amplitude and phase concept emerging from analytical signal formulation is applied to the wavelet coefficients of streamwise velocity fluctuations in the buffer layer of a near wall turbulent flow. Experiments and direct numerical simulations show both the existence of long periods of inert zones wherein the local phase is constant. These regions are separated by random phase jumps. The local amplitude is globally highly intermittent, but not in the phase locked regions wherein it varies smoothly. These behaviors are reminiscent of phase synchronization phenomena observed in stochastic chaotic systems. The lengths of the constant phase inert (laminar) zones reveal a type I intermittency behavior, in concordance with saddle-node bifurcation, and the periodic orbits of saddle nature recently identified in Couette turbulence. The imperfect synchronization is related to the footprint of coherent Reynolds shear stress producing eddies convecting in the low buffer.

Coordinate transformation and matrix measure approach for synchronization of complex networks

Global synchronization in complex networks has attracted considerable interest in various fields. There are mainly two analytical approaches for studying such time-varying networks. The first approach is Lyapunov function-based methods. For such an approach, the connected-graph-stability (CGS) method arguably gives the best results. Nevertheless, CGS is limited to the networks with cooperative couplings. The matrix measure approach (MMA) proposed by Chen, although having a wider range of applications in the network topologies than that of CGS, works for smaller numbers of nodes in most network topologies. The approach also has a limitation with networks having partial-state coupling. Other than giving yet another MMA, we introduce a new and, in some cases, optimal coordinate transformation to study such networks. Our approach fixes all the drawbacks of CGS and MMA. In addition, by merely checking the structure of the vector field of the individual oscillator, we shall be able to determine if the system is globally synchronized. In summary, our results can be applied to rather general time-varying networks with a large number of nodes.

Stability of synchronization in coupled time-delay systems using Krasovskii-Lyapunov theory

Stability of synchronization in unidirectionally coupled time-delay systems is studied using the Krasovskii-Lyapunov theory. We have shown that the same general stability condition is valid for different cases, even for the general situation (but with a constraint) where all the coefficients of the error equation corresponding to the synchronization manifold are time dependent. These analytical results are also confirmed by the numerical simulation of paradigmatic examples.

Inverse synchronizations in coupled time-delay systems with inhibitory coupling

Transitions between inverse anticipatory, inverse complete, and inverse lag synchronizations are shown to occur as a function of the coupling delay in unidirectionally coupled time-delay systems with inhibitory coupling. We have also shown that the same general asymptotic stability condition obtained using the Krasovskii-Lyapunov functional theory can be valid for the cases where (i) both the coefficients of the Delta(t) (error variable) and Delta(tau)=Delta(t-tau) (error variable with delay) terms in the error equation corresponding to the synchronization manifold are time independent and (ii) the coefficient of the Delta term is time independent, while that of the Delta(tau) term is time dependent. The existence of different kinds of synchronization is corroborated using similarity function, probability of synchronization, and also from changes in the spectrum of Lyapunov exponents of the coupled time-delay systems.

Synchronization with on-off coupling: Role of time scales in network dynamics

We consider the problem of synchronizing a general complex network by means of the on-off coupling strategy; in this case, the on-off time scale is varied from a very small to a very large value. In particular, we find that when the time scale is comparable to that of node dynamics, synchronization can also be achieved and greatly optimized for the upper bound of the stability region which nearly disappears, and the synchronization speed is accelerated a lot, independent of network topologies. Our study indicates that the time scale for network variation is of crucial importance for network dynamics and synchronization under the comparable time scale which is much more advantageous over other time scales. Both analysis and experiments confirm the conclusions.

Complete periodic synchronization in coupled systems

Recently, complete chaotic synchronization in coupled systems has been well studied. In this paper, we study complete synchronization in coupled periodic oscillators with diffusive and gradient couplings. Eight typical types of critical curve for the transverse Lyapunov exponent of standard mode, which give rise to different synchronization-desynchronization patterns, are classified. All possible desynchronous behaviors including steady state, periodic state, quasiperiodic state, low-dimensional chaotic state, and two types of high-dimensional chaotic state are identified, and two classical synchronization-desynchronizaiton bifurcations--the shortest wavelength bifurcation and Hopf bifurcation from synchronous periodic state--are classified.

Synchronization in small-world networks

In this paper we consider complete synchronization in small-world networks of identical Rössler oscillators. By applying a simple but effective dynamical optimization coupling scheme, we realize complete synchronization in networks with undelayed or delayed couplings, as well as ensuring that all oscillators have uniform intensities during the transition to synchronization. Further, we obtain the coupling matrix with much better synchronizability in a certain range of the probability p for adding long-range connections. Direct numerical simulations fully verify the efficiency of our mechanism.

Synchronization of two different chaotic systems using novel adaptive fuzzy sliding mode control

In this paper, an adaptive fuzzy sliding mode control (AFSMC) scheme is proposed for the synchronization of two chaotic nonlinear systems in the presence of uncertainties and external disturbance. To design the reaching phase of the sliding mode control (SMC), a fuzzy controller is used. This will reduce the chattering and improve the robustness. An AFSMC is used (as an equivalent control part of the SMC) to approximate the unknown parts of the uncertain chaotic systems. Although the above schemes have been proposed in the past as separate stand-alone control schemes, in this paper, we integrate these methods to propose an effective control scheme having the benefits of each. The stability analysis for the proposed control scheme is provided and simulation examples are presented to verify the effectiveness of the method.

Coupled Iterated Map Models of Action Potential Dynamics in a One-dimensional Cable of Cardiac Cells

Low-dimensional iterated map models have been widely used to study action potential dynamics in isolated cardiac cells. Coupled iterated map models have also been widely used to investigate action potential propagation dynamics in one-dimensional (1D) coupled cardiac cells, however, these models are usually empirical and not carefully validated. In this study, we first developed two coupled iterated map models which are the standard forms of diffusively coupled maps and overcome the limitations of the previous models. We then determined the coupling strength and space constant by quantitatively comparing the 1D action potential duration profile from the coupled cardiac cell model described by differential equations with that of the coupled iterated map models. To further validate the coupled iterated map models, we compared the stability conditions of the spatially uniform state of the coupled iterated maps and those of the 1D ionic model and showed that the coupled iterated map model could well recapitulate the stability conditions, i.e., the spatially uniform state is stable unless the state is chaotic. Finally, we combined conduction into the developed coupled iterated map model to study the effects of coupling strength on wave stabilities and showed that the diffusive coupling between cardiac cells tends to suppress instabilities during reentry in a 1D ring and the onset of discordant alternans in a periodically paced 1D cable.

Chaos synchronization in coupled systems by applying pinning control

Chaos synchronization in coupled chaotic oscillator systems with diffusive and gradient couplings forced by only one local feedback injection signal (boundary pinning control) is studied. By using eigenvalue analysis, we obtain controllable regions directly in control parameter space for different types of coupling links (including diagonal coupling and nondiagonal couplings). The effects of both diffusive and gradient couplings on chaos synchronization become clear. Some relevant factors on control efficiency such as coupled system size, transient process, and feedback signal intensity are also studied.

Synchronization in time-varying networks: a matrix measure approach

Synchronization in complex networks has attracted lots of interest in various fields. We consider synchronization in time-varying networks, in which the weights of links are time varying. We propose a useful approach--i.e., the matrix measure approach--to derive some analytically sufficient conditions for synchronization in time-varying networks. These conditions are less conservative than many existing synchronization conditions. Theoretical analysis and numerical simulations of different networks verify our main results.

Synchronization in adaptive weighted networks

In this paper, global synchronization in coupled oscillator networks is investigated. We propose an adaptive weighted network and show that such a simple and quite general scheme is able to tip oscillator networks towards collective synchronization. In comparison with the results based on linear stability analysis of unweighted networks, the proposed scheme improves the synchronizability of network dynamics, and is beneficial to analyze the effect of network structure on synchronizability.

Experimental evidence of anomalous phase synchronization in two diffusively coupled Chua oscillators

We study the transition to phase synchronization in two diffusively coupled, nonidentical Chua oscillators. In the experiments, depending on the used parameterization, we observe several distinct routes to phase synchronization, including states of either in-phase, out-of-phase, or antiphase synchronization, which may be intersected by an intermediate desynchronization regime with large fluctuations of the frequency difference. Furthermore, we report the first experimental evidence of an anomalous transition to phase synchronization, which is characterized by an initial enlargement of the natural frequency difference with coupling strength. This results in a maximal frequency disorder at intermediate coupling levels, whereas usual phase synchronization via monotonic decrease in frequency difference sets in only for larger coupling values. All experimental results are supported by numerical simulations of two coupled Chua models.

Synchronizing weighted complex networks

Real networks often consist of local units, which interact with each other via asymmetric and heterogeneous connections. In this work, we explore the constructive role played by such a directed and weighted wiring for the synchronization of networks of coupled dynamical systems. The stability condition for the synchronous state is obtained from the spectrum of the respective coupling matrices. In particular, we consider a coupling scheme in which the relative importance of a link depends on the number of shortest paths through it. We illustrate our findings for networks with different topologies: scale free, small world, and random wirings.

Anomalous phase synchronization in two asymmetrically coupled oscillators in the presence of noise

We study the route to synchronization in two noisy, nonisochronous oscillators. Anomalous phase synchronization arises if both oscillators differ in their respective value of nonisochronicity and it is characterized by a strong detuning of the oscillator frequencies with the onset of coupling. Here we show that anomalous synchronization, both in limit-cycle or chaotic oscillators, can considerably be enlarged under the influence of asymmetrical coupling and noise. In these systems we describe a number of noise induced effects, such as an inversion of the natural frequency difference and coupling induced desynchronization of two identical oscillators. Our results can be explained in terms of a noisy particle in a tilted washboard potential.

Partial amplitude death in coupled chaotic oscillators

We have investigated the dynamics of the coupled Lorenz oscillators numerically and theoretically. We find the partial amplitude death when the interaction is strong enough. The linear stability analysis of the partial amplitude death is proposed.

Synchronized chaotic intermittent and spiking behavior in coupled map chains

We study phase synchronization effects in a chain of nonidentical chaotic oscillators with a type-I intermittent behavior. Two types of parameter distribution, linear and random, are considered. The typical phenomena are the onset and existence of global (all-to-all) and cluster (partial) synchronization with increase of coupling. Increase of coupling strength can also lead to desynchronization phenomena, i.e., global or cluster synchronization is changed into a regime where synchronization is intermittent with incoherent states. Then a regime of a fully incoherent nonsynchronous state (spatiotemporal intermittency) appears. Synchronization-desynchronization transitions with increase of coupling are also demonstrated for a system resembling an intermittent one: a chain of coupled maps replicating the spiking behavior of neurobiological networks.

Network synchronization, diffusion, and the paradox of heterogeneity

Many complex networks display strong heterogeneity in the degree (connectivity) distribution. Heterogeneity in the degree distribution often reduces the average distance between nodes but, paradoxically, may suppress synchronization in networks of oscillators coupled symmetrically with uniform coupling strength. Here we offer a solution to this apparent paradox. Our analysis is partially based on the identification of a diffusive process underlying the communication between oscillators and reveals a striking relation between this process and the condition for the linear stability of the synchronized states. We show that, for a given degree distribution, the maximum synchronizability is achieved when the network of couplings is weighted and directed and the overall cost involved in the couplings is minimum. This enhanced synchronizability is solely determined by the mean degree and does not depend on the degree distribution and system size. Numerical verification of the main results is provided for representative classes of small-world and scale-free networks.

Transition from anticipatory to lag synchronization via complete synchronization in time-delay systems

The existence of anticipatory, complete, and lag synchronization in a single system having two different time delays, that is, feedback delay tau1 and coupling delay tau2, is identified. The transition from anticipatory to complete synchronization and from complete to lag synchronization as a function of coupling delay tau2 with a suitable stability condition is discussed. In particular, it is shown that the stability condition is independent of the delay times tau1 and tau2. Consequently, for a fixed set of parameters, all the three types of synchronizations can be realized. Further, the emergence of exact anticipatory, complete, or lag synchronization from the desynchronized state via approximate synchronization, when one of the system parameters (b2) is varied, is characterized by a minimum of the similarity function and the transition from on-off intermittency via periodic structure in the laminar phase distribution.

Synchronization in coupled chaotic oscillators with a no-flux boundary condition

We investigate the synchronization of coupled chaotic oscillators with a no-flux boundary condition. We find that the spectrum of the coupling matrix is divided into two parts, the isolated part with a zero eigenvalue and the continuous one with the other N-1 eigenvalues falling onto a line. Based on the eigenvalue analysis, the stability of the synchronization in a coupled Lorenz system is explored thoroughly in the parameter space of the size of the system, the diffusion, and gradient coupling constants.

Factors that predict better synchronizability on complex networks

While shorter characteristic path length has in general been believed to enhance synchronizability of a coupled oscillator system on a complex network, the suppressing tendency of the heterogeneity of the degree distribution, even for shorter characteristic path length, has also been reported. To see this, we investigate the effects of various factors such as the degree, characteristic path length, heterogeneity, and betweenness centrality on synchronization, and find a consistent trend between the synchronization and the betweenness centrality. The betweenness centrality is thus proposed as a good indicator for synchronizability.

Spatial patterns of desynchronization bursts in networks

We adapt a previous model and analysis method (the master stability function), extensively used for studying the stability of the synchronous state of networks of identical chaotic oscillators, to the case of oscillators that are similar but not exactly identical. We find that bubbling induced desynchronization bursts occur for some parameter values. These bursts have spatial patterns, which can be predicted from the network connectivity matrix and the unstable periodic orbits embedded in the attractor. We test the analysis of bursts by comparison with numerical experiments. In the case that no bursting occurs, we discuss the deviations from the exactly synchronous state caused by the mismatch between oscillators.

Synchronization and symmetry-breaking bifurcations in constructive networks of coupled chaotic oscillators

The spatiotemporal dynamics of networks based on a ring of coupled oscillators with regular shortcuts beyond the nearest-neighbor couplings is studied by using master stability equations and numerical simulations. The generic criterion for dynamic synchronization has been extended to arbitrary network topologies with zero row-sum. The symmetry-breaking oscillation patterns that resulted from the Hopf bifurcation from synchronous states are analyzed by the symmetry group theory.

Complex Ginzburg-Landau equation with nonlocal coupling

A Ginzburg-Landau-type equation with nonlocal coupling is derived systematically as a reduced form of a universal class of reaction-diffusion systems near the Hopf bifurcation point and in the presence of another small parameter. The reaction-diffusion systems to be reduced are such that the chemical components constituting local oscillators are nondiffusive or hardly diffusive, so that the oscillators are almost uncoupled, while there is an extra diffusive component which introduces effective nonlocal coupling over the oscillators. Linear stability analysis of the reduced equation about the uniform oscillation is also carried out. This revealed that new types of instability which can never arise in the ordinary complex Ginzburg-Landau equation are possible, and their physical implication is briefly discussed.

Transitions from spatiotemporal chaos to cluster and complete synchronization states in a shift-invariant set of coupled nonlinear oscillators

We study the spatiotemporal dynamics of a ring of diffusely coupled single-well Duffing oscillators. The transitions from spatiotemporal chaos to cluster and complete synchronization states are particularly investigated, as well as the Hopf bifurcations to instability. It is found that the underlying mechanism of these transitions relies on the motion of the representative points corresponding to the system's nondegenerated spatial transverse Fourier modes in the parametric Strutt diagram. A scaling law is used to demonstrate that the compact interval of the scalar coupling parameter values leading to cluster synchronization broadens in a square-power-like fashion as the number of oscillators is increased. The analytical approach is confirmed by numerical simulations.

Using nonisochronicity to control synchronization in ensembles of nonidentical oscillators

We investigate the transition to synchronization in ensembles of coupled oscillators with quenched disorder. We find that small coupling is able to increase the frequency disorder and to induce a spread of oscillator frequencies. This new effect of anomalous desynchronization is studied with numerical and analytical means in a large class of systems including Rössler, Lotka-Volterra, Landau-Stuart, and Van-der-Pol oscillators. We show that anomalous effects arise due to an interplay between nonisochronicity and natural frequency of each oscillator and can either increase or inhibit synchronization in the ensemble. This provides a novel possibility to control the synchronization transition in nonidentical systems by suitably distributing the disorder among system parameters. We conjecture that our results are of relevance for biological systems.

Anomalous phase synchronization in populations of nonidentical oscillators

We report the phenomenon of anomalous phase synchronization in interacting oscillator systems with randomly distributed parameters. We show that coupling is first able to enlarge the frequency disorder leading to maximal decoherence for intermediate levels of coupling strength before reaching synchronization. Anomalous synchronization arises when the natural frequency covaries with nonisochronicity and allows for synchronization control by adjustment of system parameters.

Experimental investigation of partial synchronization in coupled chaotic oscillators

The dynamical behavior of a ring of six diffusively coupled Rössler circuits, with different coupling schemes, is experimentally and numerically investigated using the coupling strength as a control parameter. The ring shows partial synchronization and all the five patterns predicted analyzing the symmetries of the ring are obtained experimentally. To compare with the experiment, the ring has been integrated numerically and the results are in good qualitative agreement with the experimental ones. The results are analyzed through the graphs generated plotting the y variable of the ith circuit versus the variable y of the jth circuit. As an auxiliary tool to identify numerically the behavior of the oscillators, the three largest Lyapunov exponents of the ring are obtained.

Persistent clusters in lattices of coupled nonidentical chaotic systems

Two-dimensional (2D) lattices of diffusively coupled chaotic oscillators are studied. In previous work, it was shown that various cluster synchronization regimes exist when the oscillators are identical. Here, analytical and numerical studies allow us to conclude that these cluster synchronization regimes persist when the chaotic oscillators have slightly different parameters. In the analytical approach, the stability of almost-perfect synchronization regimes is proved via the Lyapunov function method for a wide class of systems, and the synchronization error is estimated. Examples include a 2D lattice of nonidentical Lorenz systems with scalar diffusive coupling. In the numerical study, it is shown that in lattices of Lorenz and Rossler systems the cluster synchronization regimes are stable and robust against up to 10%-15% parameter mismatch and against small noise.