Connecting the Kuramoto Model and the Chimera State

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that chimera states, previously seen as puzzling phenomena, can be naturally derived from the Kuramoto model via symmetry breaking bifurcations, linking two important concepts in synchronization theory.

Contribution

It establishes a direct theoretical connection between chimera states and the Kuramoto model, revealing their emergence through symmetry breaking bifurcations.

Findings

Chimera states arise from symmetry breaking bifurcations in the Kuramoto model.

The analysis explains observations of chimera states in various physical systems.

The work provides a unified framework for understanding synchronization phenomena.

Abstract

Since its discovery in 2002, the chimera state has frequently been described as a counter-intuitive, puzzling phenomenon. The Kuramoto model, in contrast, has become a celebrated paradigm useful for understanding a range of phenomena related to phase transitions, synchronization and network effects. Here we show that the chimera state can be understood as emerging naturally through a symmetry breaking bifurcation from the Kuramoto model's partially synchronized state. Our analysis sheds light on recent observations of chimera states in laser arrays, chemical oscillators, and mechanical pendula.