Synchronizing Chaos with Imperfections

TL;DR

This paper reveals that heterogeneity in nonlinear oscillator networks can induce chaos synchronization, counteracting the typical desynchronizing effect of parameter mismatches, supported by experiments, simulations, and theory.

Contribution

It introduces the novel concept that oscillator heterogeneity can promote chaos synchronization, challenging previous assumptions about the detrimental effects of imperfections.

Findings

Heterogeneity can synchronize chaos where identical oscillators cannot.

Experimental validation with Chua's oscillators confirms the phenomenon.

Theoretical analysis explains heterogeneity-induced mode mixing.

Abstract

Previous research on nonlinear oscillator networks has shown that chaos synchronization is attainable for identical oscillators but deteriorates in the presence of parameter mismatches. Here, we identify regimes for which the opposite occurs and show that oscillator heterogeneity can synchronize chaos for conditions under which identical oscillators cannot. This effect is not limited to small mismatches and is observed for random oscillator heterogeneity on both homogeneous and heterogeneous network structures. The results are demonstrated experimentally using networks of Chua's oscillators and are further supported by numerical simulations and theoretical analysis. In particular, we propose a general mechanism based on heterogeneity-induced mode mixing that provides insights into the observed phenomenon. Since individual differences are ubiquitous and often unavoidable in real systems, it follows that such imperfections can be an unexpected source of synchronization stability.