Controlling chimera states in chaotic oscillator ensembles through linear augmentation

Area of Science:

• Complex systems
• Nonlinear dynamics
• Network science

Background:

• Chimera states represent a unique phenomenon in coupled oscillator systems, characterized by the coexistence of synchronized and desynchronized domains.
• Understanding and controlling these states is crucial for applications in various fields, including neuroscience and engineering.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and validate a linear augmentation (LA) technique for controlling chimera states in networks of coupled chaotic oscillators.
• To investigate the influence of LA on the spatial organization and population dynamics of coherent and incoherent oscillators.

Main Methods:

• Induced multistability was used to generate chimera states in networks of coupled chaotic oscillators.
• Linear augmentation (LA) was applied to manipulate these states.
• Basins of attraction were analyzed to understand the impact of LA on multistability.
• Master stability function was employed to assess the stability of synchronized dynamics.

Main Results:

• The linear augmentation (LA) technique successfully controlled the size and spatial location of synchronized and desynchronized populations.
• LA was shown to effectively influence the multistable behavior of the system, thereby controlling chimera states.
• The findings were independent of initial conditions and applicable to various coupling schemes (global, local, nonlocal).

Conclusions:

• Linear augmentation (LA) provides an effective strategy for controlling chimera states in oscillator ensembles.
• This method allows for the realization of desired collective dynamics by precisely managing coherent and incoherent populations.
• The LA technique offers a versatile approach applicable across different network structures and coupling configurations.