Synchronization of Heterogeneous Oscillators by Noninvasive Time-Delayed Cross Coupling

We demonstrate that nonidentical systems, in particular, nonlinear oscillators with different time scales, can be synchronized if a mutual coupling via time-delayed control signals is implemented. Each oscillator settles on an unstable state, say a fixed point or an unstable periodic orbit, with a coupling force which vanishes in the long time limit. We present the underlying theoretical considerations and numerical simulations, and, moreover, demonstrate the concept experimentally in nonlinear electronic oscillators.