Robust chimera states in SQUID metamaterials with local interactions

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the emergence of robust multi-clustered chimera states in locally coupled SQUID metamaterials, challenging the belief that such states require nonlocal interactions, supported by theoretical and potential experimental evidence.

Contribution

It provides the first theoretical evidence that nearest neighbor coupling can support chimera states in SQUID metamaterials, expanding understanding of their formation mechanisms.

Findings

Chimera states occur in locally coupled SQUID systems.

Snake-like resonance curves lead to multistability and attractor crowding.

The results suggest experimental verification is feasible.

Abstract

We report on the emergence of robust multi-clustered chimera states in a dissipative-driven system of symmetrically and locally coupled identical SQUID oscillators. The "snake-like" resonance curve of the single SQUID (Superconducting QUantum Interference Device) is the key to the formation of the chimera states and is responsible for the extreme multistability exhibited by the coupled system that leads to attractor crowding at the geometrical resonance (inductive-capacitive) frequency. Until now, chimera states were mostly believed to exist for nonlocal coupling. Our findings provide theoretical evidence that nearest neighbor interactions are indeed capable of supporting such states in a wide parameter range. SQUID metamaterials are the subject of intense experimental investigations and we are highly confident that the complex dynamics demonstrated in this manuscript can be confirmed in the laboratory.