Wave propagation along interacting fiber-like lattices

A fiber-like lattice with resistively coupled electronic elements mimicking a 1-D discrete reaction-diffusion system is considered. The chosen unit or element in the fiber is the paradigmatic Chua's circuit, capable of exhibi ting bistable, excitable, oscillatory or chaotic behavior. Then the dynamic s of a structure of two such interacting parallel active fibers is studied. Suitable conditions for the interaction to yield synchronization and other forms of collective behavior involving both fibers are obtained. They incl ude wave front propagation, pulse reentry and pulse propagation failure, ov ercoming of propagation failure, and the appearance of a source of synchron ized pulses. The possibility of designing controlled dynamic contacts by me ans of one or a few inter-fiber couplings is also discussed.