Non-reciprocal interactions enhance heterogeneity

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that non-reciprocal long-range interactions in networked systems can destabilize homogeneous states and induce complex pattern formation, expanding understanding of heterogeneity in various natural systems.

Contribution

It provides theoretical conditions under which non-symmetric coupling leads to pattern formation, highlighting the role of non-reciprocal interactions in destabilizing homogeneous equilibria.

Findings

Non-reciprocal interactions can destabilize homogeneous states.

Pattern formation is linked to the spectrum of a non-symmetric Laplace operator.

Conditions for instability depend on network structure and interaction asymmetry.

Abstract

We study a process of pattern formation for a generic model of species anchored to the nodes of a network where local reactions take place, and that experience non-reciprocal long-range interactions, encoded by the network directed links. By assuming the system to exhibit a stable homogeneous equilibrium whenever only local interactions are considered, we prove that such equilibrium can turn unstable once suitable non-reciprocal long-range interactions are allowed for. Stated differently we propose sufficient conditions allowing for patterns to emerge using a non-symmetric coupling, while initial perturbations about the homogenous equilibrium fade away assuming reciprocal coupling. The instability, precursor of the emerging spatio-temporal patterns, can be traced back, via a linear stability analysis, to the complex spectrum of an interaction non-symmetric Laplace operator. Taken together, our results pave the way for the understanding of the many and heterogeneous patterns of complexity found in ecological, chemical or physical systems composed by interacting parts, once no diffusion takes place.