SYNCHRONOUS CHAOS IN COUPLED OSCILLATOR-SYSTEMS

We investigate the synchronization of chaotic oscillations in coupled oscillator systems, both theoretically and in analog electronic circui ts. Particular attention is paid to deriving and testing general condi tions for the stability of synchronous chaotic behavior in cases where the coupled oscillator array possesses a shift-invariant symmetry. Th ese cases include the well studied cases of nearest-neighbor diffusive coupling and all-to-all or global coupling. An approximate criterion is developed to predict the stability of synchronous chaotic oscillati ons in the strong coupling limit, when the oscillators are coupled thr ough a single coordinate (scalar coupling). This stability criterion i s illustrated numerically in a set of coupled Rossler-like oscillators . Synchronization experiments with coupled Rossler-like oscillator cir cuits are also carried out to demonstrate the applicability of the the ory to real systems.