Demonstrating Remote Synchronization: An Experimental Approach with Nonlinear Oscillators

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates remote synchronization in networks of nonlinear oscillators through analytical, numerical, and experimental methods, highlighting parallels with neural synchronization and validating findings with electronic circuit testbeds.

Contribution

It provides the first experimental evidence of remote synchronization in nonlinear oscillators using a comprehensive multi-method approach.

Findings

Experimental validation of remote synchronization

Use of Master Stability Function for analysis

Electronic circuit testbed supports theoretical predictions

Abstract

This study investigates remote synchronization in arbitrary network clusters of coupled nonlinear oscillators, a phenomenon inspired by neural synchronization in the brain. Employing a multi-faceted approach encompassing analytical, numerical, and experimental methodologies, we leverage the Master Stability Function (MSF) to analyze network stability. We provide experimental evidence of remote synchronization between two clusters of nonlinear oscillators, where oscillators within each cluster are also remotely connected. This observation parallels the thalamus-mediated synchronization of neuronal populations in the brain. An electronic circuit testbed, supported by nonlinear ODE modeling and LT Spice simulation, was developed to validate our theoretical predictions. Future work will extend this investigation to encompass diverse network topologies and explore potential applications in neuroscience, communication networks, and power systems.