Synchronization of oscillators in complex networks

Theory of identical or complete synchronization of identical oscillators in arbitrary networks is introduced. In addition, several graph theory concepts and results that augment the synchronization theory and a tie in closely to random, semirandom, and regular networks are introduced. Combined theories are used to explore and compare three types of semirandom networks for their efficacy in synchronizing oscillators. It is shown that the simplest k-cycle augmented by a few random edges or links are the most efficient network that will guarantee good synchronization.      

Synchronization of Kuramoto oscillators in random complex networks

We study the synchronization of coupled phase oscillators in random complex networks. The topology of the networks is assumed to be vary over time. Here we mainly study the onset of global phase synchronization when the topology switches rapidly over time. We find that the results are, to some extent, different from those in deterministic situations. In particular, the synchronizability of coupled oscillators can be enhanced in ER networks and scale-free networks under fast switching, while in stochastic small-world networks such enhancement is not significant.     

Synchronization of coupled oscillators on small-world networks

We investigate the synchronous dynamics of Kuramoto oscillators and van der Pol oscillators on Watts-Strogatz type small-world networks. The order parameters to characterize macroscopic synchronization are calculated by numerical integration. We focus on the difference between frequency synchronization and phase synchronization. In both oscillator systems, the critical coupling strength of the phase order is larger than that of the frequency order for the small-world networks. The critical coupling strength for the phase and frequency synchronization diverges as the network structure approaches the regular one. For the Kuramoto oscillators, the behavior can be described by a power-law function and the exponents are obtained for the two synchronizations. The separation of the critical point between the phase and frequency synchronizations is found only for small-world networks in the theoretical models studied.     

Collective dynamics of delay-coupled limit cycle oscillators

Coupled limit cycle oscillators with instantaneous mutual coupling offer a useful but idealized mathematical paradigm for the study of collective behavior in a wide variety of biological, physical and chemical systems. In most real-life systems however the interaction is not instantaneous but is delayed due to finite propagation times of signals, reaction times of chemicals, individual neuron firing periods in neural networks etc. We present a brief overview of the effect of time-delayed coupling on the collective dynamics of such coupled systems. Simple model equations describing two oscillators with a discrete time-delayed coupling as well as those describing linear arrays of a large number of oscillators with time-delayed global or local couplings are studied. Analytic and numerical results pertaining to time delay induced changes in the onset and stability of amplitude death and phase-locked states are discussed. A number of recent experimental and theoretical studies reveal interesting new directions of research in this field and suggest exciting future areas of exploration and applications.     

Collective dynamics of delay-coupled limit cycle oscillators

Coupled limit cycle oscillators with instantaneous mutual coupling offer a useful but idealized mathematical paradigm for the study of collective behavior in a wide variety of biological, physical and chemical systems. In most real-life systems however the interaction is not instantaneous but is delayed due to finite propagation times of signals, reaction times of chemicals, individual neuron firing periods in neural networks etc. We present a brief overview of the effect of time-delayed coupling on the collective dynamics of such coupled systems. Simple model equations describing two oscillators with a discrete time-delayed coupling as well as those describing linear arrays of a large number of oscillators with time-delayed global or local couplings are studied. Analytic and numerical results pertaining to time delay induced changes in the onset and stability of amplitude death and phase-locked states are discussed. A number of recent experimental and theoretical studies reveal interesting new directions of research in this field and suggest exciting future areas of exploration and applications.     

Phase reduction of stochastic limit cycle oscillators

We point out that for an oscillator subjected to noise the conventional phase equation is not a proper approximation even for weak noise. We present a phase reduction method valid for an oscillator subjected to weak white Gaussian noise. Numerical evidence demonstrates that the phase equation properly approximates dynamics of the original oscillator. Moreover, we show that, in general, noise causes a shift of the oscillator frequency and discuss its effects on entrainment.     

Synchronization in large directed networks of coupled phase oscillators

We study the emergence of collective synchronization in large directed networks of heterogeneous oscillators by generalizing the classical Kuramoto model of globally coupled phase oscillators to more realistic networks. We extend recent theoretical approximations describing the transition to synchronization in large undirected networks of coupled phase oscillators to the case of directed networks. We also consider the case of networks with mixed positive-negative coupling strengths. We compare our theory with numerical simulations and find good agreement.     

Synchronization speed of identical oscillators on community networks

Synchronizability of complex oscillators networks has attracted much research interest in recent years. In contrast, in this paper we investigate numerically the synchronization speed, rather than the synchronizability or synchronization stability, of identical oscillators on complex networks with communities. A new weighted community network model is employed here, in which the community strength could be tunable by one parameter δ. The results showed that the synchronization speed of identical oscillators on community networks could reach a maximal value when δ is around 0.1. We argue that this is induced by the competition between the community partition and the scale-free property of the networks. Moreover, we have given the corresponding analysis through the second least eigenvalue λ₂ of the Laplacian matrix of the network which supports the previous result that the synchronization speed is determined by the value of λ₂.     

Entrainment among coupled limit cycle oscillators with frustration

A model system composed of three limit cycle oscillators is studied with emphasis on its dynamics of collective behavior. The interaction contains frustration as the competition among the individually phase-pulling actions. Computer experiments and mathematical analyses show that the frustration causes transition from a monostable entrained state to a bistable one. Focusing on hysteresis in the bistable region, a variety of dynamical modes induced by the frustration is elucidated. The condition of the frustration is discussed in the generalized model.     

Robustness of the noise-induced phase synchronization in a general class of limit cycle oscillators

We show that a wide class of uncoupled limit-cycle oscillators can be in-phase synchronized by common weak additive noise. An expression of the Lyapunov exponent is analytically derived to study the stability of the noise-driven synchronizing state. The result shows that such a synchronization can be achieved in a broad class of oscillators with little constraint on their intrinsic property. On the other hand, the leaky integrate-and-fire neuron oscillators do not belong to this class, generating intermittent phase slips according to a power law distribution of their intervals.     

Synchronization of time-continuous chaotic oscillators

Considering a system of two coupled identical chaotic oscillators, the paper first establishes the conditions of transverse stability for the fully synchronized chaotic state. Periodic orbit threshold theory is applied to determine the bifurcations through which low-periodic orbits embedded in the fully synchronized state lose their transverse stability, and the appearance of globally and locally riddled basins of attraction is discussed, respectively, in terms of the subcritical, supercritical nature of the riddling bifurcations. We show how the introduction of a small parameter mismatch between the interacting chaotic oscillators causes a shift of the synchronization manifold. The presence of a coupling asymmetry is found to lead to further modifications of the destabilization process. Finally, the paper considers the problem of partial synchronization in a system of four coupled R?ssler oscillators.     

Synchronization of two pulse-coupled oscillators

In several Letters Pereira studied phase locking of Andronov clocks. A modified version of Pereira's scheme leads to much stronger coupling between oscillators as well as phase synchronization. Generalizations to other systems, including nonlinear oscillators, are also discussed.     

Synchronization in chaotic oscillators by cyclic coupling

We introduce a type of cyclic coupling to investigate synchronization of chaotic oscillators. We derive analytical solutions of the critical coupling for stable synchronization under the cyclic coupling for the Rössler system and the Lorenz oscillator as paradigmatic illustration. Based on the master stability function (MSF) approach, the analytical results on critical coupling are verified numerically. An enhancing effect in terms of lowering the critical coupling or enlarging the synchronization window in a critical coupling space is noticed. The cyclic coupling is also applied in other models, Hindmarsh-Rose model, Sprott system, Chen system and forced Duffing system to confirm the enhancing effect. The cyclic coupling allows tuning of two coupling constants in reverse directions when an optimal control of synchronization is feasible.     

Synchronization in the network of chaotic microwave oscillators

Time scale synchronization in networks of chaotic microwave oscillators with the different topologies of the links between nodes has been studied. As a node element of the network the one-dimensional distributed model of the low-voltage vircator has been used. To characterize the degree of synchronization in the whole network the synchronization index has been introduced. The transition to the synchronous regime is shown to take place via cluster time scale synchronization. Meanwhile, the spectral structure of the output signals is complicated sufficiently which allows using such devices in a number of practical applications.     

Synchronization in arrays of coupled self-induced friction oscillators

We investigate synchronization phenomena in systems of self-induced dry friction oscillators with kinematic excitation coupled by linear springs. Friction force is modelled according to exponential model. Initially, a single degree of freedom mass-spring system on a moving belt is considered to check the type of motion of the system (periodic, non-periodic). Then the system is coupled in chain of identical oscillators starting from two, up to four oscillators. A reference probe of two coupled oscillators is applied in order to detect synchronization thresholds for both periodic and non-periodic motion of the system. The master stability function is applied to predict the synchronization thresholds for longer chains of oscillators basing on two oscillator probe. It is shown that synchronization is possible both for three and four coupled oscillators under certain circumstances. Our results confirmed that this technique can be also applied for the systems with discontinuities.     

Synchronization in a multiplex network of gene oscillators

Study of the synchronization in the network of gene oscillator network has vital importance in understanding of rhythmicity of molecular and cellular activities. In this paper, we analyze a network of linearly coupled genetic oscillators in a multiplex structure. The coupling strength values are changed and the coupling range is considered to be fixed, but different in the two layers. The analyses are done in two cases of periodic and chaotic oscillations. By computing the statistical measures, the interlayer and intralayer synchronization states are studied. The results show that the layer with higher coupling range has more enhanced synchrony and is less affected by the turbulent behavior of the other layer. On the other hand, the layer with lower coupling range approaches synchronization by strengthening the interlayer and intralayer couplings. The interlayer synchronization is also achieved in high coupling strength values.     

Synchronization of oscillators coupled through an environment

We study synchronization of oscillators that are indirectly coupled through their interaction with an environment. We give criteria for the stability or instability of a synchronized oscillation. Using these criteria we investigate synchronization of systems of oscillators which are weakly coupled, in the sense that the influence of the oscillators on the environment is weak. We prove that arbitrarily weak coupling will synchronize the oscillators, provided that this coupling is of the ‘right’ sign. We illustrate our general results by applications to a model of coupled GnRH neuron oscillators proposed by Khadra and Li [A. Khadra, Y.X. Li, A model for the pulsatile secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone from synchronized hypothalamic neurons, Biophys. J. 91 (2006) 74-83.], and to indirectly weakly-coupled λ-ω oscillators.