Semi-passivity and synchronization of diffusively coupled neuronal oscillators

We discuss synchronization in networks of neuronal oscillators which are interconnected via diffusive coupling, i.e. linearly coupled via gap junctions. In particular, we present sufficient conditions for synchronization in these networks using the theory of semi-passive and passive systems. We show that the conductance based neuronal models of Hodgkin-Huxley, Morris-Lecar, and the popular reduced models of FitzHugh-Nagumo and Hindmarsh-Rose all satisfy a semi-passivity property, i.e. that is the state trajectories of such a model remain oscillatory but bounded provided that the supplied (electrical) energy is bounded. As a result, for a wide range of coupling configurations, networks of these oscillators are guaranteed to possess ultimately bounded solutions. Moreover, we demonstrate that when the coupling is strong enough the oscillators become synchronized. Our theoretical conclusions are confirmed by computer simulations with coupled Hindmarsh-Rose and Morris-Lecar oscillators. Finally we discuss possible “instabilities” in networks of oscillators induced by the diffusive coupling.     

Detecting phase synchronization between coupled non-phase-coherent oscillators

We compare two methods for detecting phase synchronization in coupled non-phase-coherent oscillators. One method is based on the locking of self-sustained oscillators with an irregular signal. The other uses trajectory recurrences in phase space. We identify the pros and cons of both methods and propose guidelines to detect phase synchronization in data series.     

Automatic control of phase synchronization in coupled complex oscillators

We present an automatic control method for phase locking of regular and chaotic nonidentical oscillations, when all subsystems interact via feedback. This method is based on the well known principle of feedback control which takes place in nature and is successfully used in engineering. In contrast to unidirectional and bidirectional coupling, the approach presented here supposes the existence of a special controller, which allows to change the parameters of the controlled systems. First we discuss general principles of automatic phase synchronization (PS) for arbitrary coupled systems with a controller whose input is given by a special quadratic form of coordinates of the individual systems and its output is a result of the application of a linear differential operator. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach for controlled PS on several examples: (i) two coupled regular oscillators, (ii) coupled regular and chaotic oscillators, (iii) two coupled chaotic Rössler oscillators, (iv) two coupled foodweb models, (v) coupled chaotic Rössler and Lorenz oscillators, (vi) ensembles of locally coupled regular oscillators, (vii) ensembles of locally coupled chaotic oscillators, and (viii) ensembles of globally coupled chaotic oscillators.     

Data synchronization in a network of coupled phase oscillators

We devised a new method of data mining for a large-scale database. In the method, a network of locally coupled phase oscillators subject to Kuramoto's model substitutes for given multivariate data to generate major features through phase locking of the oscillators, i.e., phase transition of the data set. We applied the method to the national database of care needs certification for the Japanese public long-term care insurance program, and found three major patterns in the aging process of the frail elderly. This work revealed the latent utility of Kuramoto's model for data processing.     

Experimental investigation of high-quality synchronization of coupled oscillators

We describe two experiments in which we investigate the synchronization of coupled periodic oscillators. Each experimental system consists of two identical coupled electronic periodic oscillators that display bursts of desynchronization events similar to those observed previously in coupled chaotic systems. We measure the degree of synchronization as a function of coupling strength. In the first experiment, high-quality synchronization is achieved for all coupling strengths above a critical value. In the second experiment, no high-quality synchronization is observed. We compare our results to the predictions of the several proposed criteria for synchronization. We find that none of the criteria accurately predict the range of coupling strengths over which high-quality synchronization is observed. (c) 2000 American Institute of Physics.     

Experimental investigation of partial synchronization in coupled chaotic oscillators

The dynamical behavior of a ring of six diffusively coupled R?ssler 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.     

Synchronization of diffusively coupled oscillators near the homoclinic bifurcation

It has been known that a diffusive coupling between two limit cycle oscillations typically leads to the in-phase synchronization and also that it is the only stable state in the weak-coupling limit. Recently, however, it has been shown that the coupling of the same nature can result in the distinctive dephased synchronization when the limit cycles are close to the homoclinic bifurcation, which often occurs especially for the neuronal oscillators. In this paper we propose a simple physical model using the modified van der Pol equation, which unfolds the generic synchronization behaviors of the latter kind and in which one may readily observe changes in the sychronization behaviors between the distinctive regimes as well. The dephasing mechanism is analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively in the weak-coupling limit. A general form of coupling is introduced and the synchronization behaviors over a wide range of the coupling parameters are explored to construct the phase diagram using the bifurcation analysis.     

In phase and antiphase synchronization of coupled homoclinic chaotic oscillators

We numerically investigate the dynamics of a closed chain of unidirectionally coupled oscillators in a regime of homoclinic chaos. The emerging synchronization regimes show analogies with the experimental behavior of a single chaotic laser subjected to a delayed feedback.     

Three types of transitions to phase synchronization in coupled chaotic oscillators

We study the effect of noncoherence on the onset of phase synchronization of two coupled chaotic oscillators. Depending on the coherence properties of oscillations characterized by the phase diffusion, three types of transitions to phase synchronization are found. For phase-coherent attractors this transition occurs shortly after one of the zero Lyapunov exponents becomes negative. At rather strong phase diffusion, phase locking manifests a strong degree of generalized synchronization, and occurs only after one positive Lyapunov exponent becomes negative. For intermediate phase diffusion, phase synchronization sets in via an interior crises of the hyperchaotic set.     

Effect of common noise on phase synchronization in coupled chaotic oscillators

We report a general phenomenon concerning the effect of noise on phase synchronization in coupled chaotic oscillators: the average phase-synchronization time exhibits a nonmonotonic behavior with the noise amplitude. In particular, we find that the time exhibits a local minimum for relatively small noise amplitude but a local maximum for stronger noise. We provide numerical results, experimental evidence from coupled chaotic circuits, and a heuristic argument to establish the generality of this phenomenon.     

混沌吸引子在两个周期振子耦合下的相同步

在分析了系统稳定的基础上，对非线性混沌吸引子在两个独立外周期振子耦合下的相同步进 行了研究.与一个周期振子耦合的情况不同，两个周期振子对混沌吸引子的耦合具有排他性 和竞争性，相同步在两个亚稳态交替出现，各自同步时间长度由外振子参数决定.确定了周 期外振子参数与同步时间长度的关系并与数值模拟计算结果进行了比较. 关键词： 混沌吸引子 相同步     

Experimental evidence of time-delay-induced death in coupled limit-cycle oscillators

Experimental observations of time-delay-induced amplitude death in two coupled nonlinear electronic circuits that are individually capable of exhibiting limit-cycle oscillations are described. The existence of multiply connected death islands in the parameter space of coupling strength and time delay for coupled identical oscillators is established. The existence of such regions was predicted earlier on theoretical grounds [Phys. Rev. Lett. 80, 5109 (1998); Physica (Amsterdam) 129D, 15 (1999)]. The experiments also reveal the occurrence of multiple frequency states, frequency suppression of oscillations with increased time delay, and the onset of both in-phase and antiphase collective oscillations.     

Analytical calculation of the transition to complete phase synchronization in coupled oscillators

Here we present a system of coupled phase oscillators with nearest neighbors coupling, which we study for different boundary conditions. We concentrate at the transition to the total synchronization. We are able to develop exact solutions for the value of the coupling parameter when the system becomes completely synchronized, for the case of periodic boundary conditions as well as for a chain with fixed ends. We compare the results with those calculated numerically.      

Ring intermittency in coupled chaotic oscillators at the boundary of phase synchronization

A new type of intermittent behavior is described to occur near the boundary of the phase synchronization regime of coupled chaotic oscillators. This mechanism, called ring intermittency, arises for sufficiently high initial mismatches in the frequencies of the two coupled systems. The laws for both the distribution and the mean length of the laminar phases versus the coupling strength are analytically deduced. Very good agreement between the theoretical results and the numerically calculated data is shown. We discuss how this mechanism is expected to take place in other relevant physical circumstances.     

Resonance assisted synchronization of coupled oscillators: frequency locking without phase locking

Frequency locking without phase locking of two coupled nonlinear oscillators is experimentally demonstrated. This synchronization regime is found for two coupled laser modes, beyond the phase-locking range fixed by Adler's equation, because of a resonance mechanism. Specifically, we show that the amplitudes of the two modes exhibit strong fluctuations that produce average frequency synchronization, even if the instantaneous phases are unlocked. The experimental results are in good agreement with a theoretical model.     

Random shortcuts induce phase synchronization in complex Chua systems

This paper studies how phase synchronization in complex networks depends on random shortcuts, using the piecewise-continuous chaotic Chua system as the nodes of the networks. It is found that for a given coupling strength, when the number of random shortcuts is greater than a threshold the phase synchronization is induced. Phase synchronization becomes evident and reaches its maximum as the number of random shortcuts is further increased. These phenomena imply that random shortcuts can induce and enhance the phase synchronization in complex Chua systems. Furthermore, the paper also investigates the effects of the coupling strength and it is found that stronger coupling makes it easier to obtain the complete phase synchronization.     

Glassy synchronization in a population of coupled oscillators

A phase model for a population of oscillators with random excitatory and inhibitory mean-field coupling and subject to external white noise random forces is proposed and studied. In the thermodynamic limit different stable phases for the oscillator population may be found: (i) an incoherent state where all possible values of an oscillator phase are equally probable, (ii) a synchronized state where the population has a nonzero collective phase; (iii) a glassy phase where the global synchronization is zero but the oscillators are in phase with the random disorder; and (iv) a mixed phase where the oscillators are partially synchronized and partially in phase with the disorder. These predictions are based upon bifurcation analysis of the reduced equation valid at the thermodynamic limit and confirmed by Brownian simulation.     

Noise-induced phase synchronization and synchronization transitions in chaotic oscillators

Whether common noise can induce complete synchronization in chaotic systems has been a topic of great relevance and long-standing controversy. We first clarify the mechanism of this phenomenon and show that the existence of a significant contraction region, where nearby trajectories converge, plays a decisive role. Second, we demonstrate that, more generally, common noise can induce phase synchronization in nonidentical chaotic systems. Such a noise-induced synchronization and synchronization transitions are of special significance for understanding neuron encoding in neurobiology.     

Local synchronization in complex networks of coupled oscillators

We investigate the effects that network topology, natural frequency distribution, and system size have on the path to global synchronization as the overall coupling strength between oscillators is increased in a Kuramoto network. In particular, we study the scenario recently found by Go?mez-Garden?es et al. [Phys. Rev. E 73, 056124 (2006)] in which macroscopic global synchronization emerges through a process whereby many small synchronized clusters form, grow, and merge, eventually leading to a macroscopic giant synchronized component. Our main result is that this scenario is robust to an increase in the number of oscillators or a change in the distribution function of the oscillators' natural frequencies, but becomes less prominent as the number of links per oscillator increases.     

耦合分数阶混沌振荡器的主-从同步

近年来对分数阶系统的动力学研究得到了较为广泛的关注。本文研究了基于主-从耦合同步法的同步技术并实现了两个耦合的分数阶振荡器的混沌同步。仿真结果表明：在适当的耦合强度的调节下，该方法可实现两个耦合分数阶混沌振荡器的准确同步，且分数阶混沌振荡器的同步率明显慢于整数阶混沌振荡器的同步率；而耦合分数阶混沌振荡器在实现同步的过程中，随着阶数的提高，同步误差曲线变得平滑，这表明，系统阶数的提高改善了耦合混沌振荡器实现同步的平稳性。