Chaos synchronization in networks of delay-coupled lasers: Role of the coupling phases

TL;DR

This paper derives conditions for chaos synchronization in networks of delay-coupled lasers, emphasizing the influence of coupling phases and providing guidelines for optimizing synchronization in larger networks.

Contribution

It provides a rigorous analysis of the role of coupling phases in laser network synchronization and offers optimal conditions for chaos synchronization in complex networks.

Findings

Coupling phases critically affect synchronizability.

Optimal phase configurations enhance chaos synchronization.

Theoretical conditions match experimental observations.

Abstract

We derive rigorous conditions for the synchronization of all-optically coupled lasers. In particular, we elucidate the role of the optical coupling phases for synchronizability by systematically discussing all possible network motifs containing two lasers with delayed coupling and feedback. Hereby we explain previous experimental findings. Further, we study larger networks and elaborate optimal conditions for chaos synchronization. We show that the relative phases between lasers can be used to optimize the effective coupling matrix.