Spatial symmetry breaking in the Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction with light-induced remote communication - art. no. 088303

Domains containing spiral waves form on a stationary background in a photos ensitive Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction with light-induced alternating nonlo cal feedback. Complex behavior of colliding and splitting wave fragments is found with feedback radii comparable to the spiral wavelength. A linear st ability analysis of the uniform stationary states in an Oregonator model re veals a spatial symmetry breaking instability. Numerical simulations show b ehavior in agreement with that found experimentally and also predict a vari ety of other new patterns.