Random global coupling induces synchronization and nontrivial collective behavior in networks of chaotic maps

The phenomena of synchronization and nontrivial collective behavior are studied in a model of coupled chaotic maps with random global coupling. The mean field of the system is coupled to a fraction of elements randomly chosen at any given time. It is shown that the reinjection of the mean field to a fraction of randomly selected elements can induce synchronization and nontrivial collective behavior in the system. The regions where these collective states emerge on the space of parameters of the system are calculated.Comment: 2 pages, 2 figs, accepted in The European Physical Journa

Phase ordering induced by defects in chaotic bistable media

The phase ordering dynamics of coupled chaotic bistable maps on lattices with defects is investigated. The statistical properties of the system are characterized by means of the average normalized size of spatial domains of equivalent spin variables that define the phases. It is found that spatial defects can induce the formation of domains in bistable spatiotemporal systems. The minimum distance between defects acts as parameter for a transition from a homogeneous state to a heterogeneous regime where two phases coexist The critical exponent of this transition also exhibits a transition when the coupling is increased, indicating the presence of a new class of domain where both phases coexist forming a chessboard pattern.Comment: 3 pages, 3 figures, Accepted in European Physics Journa

Synchronization in driven versus autonomous coupled chaotic maps

The phenomenon of synchronization occurring in a locally coupled map lattice subject to an external drive is compared to the synchronization process in an autonomous coupled map system with similar local couplings plus a global interaction. It is shown that chaotic synchronized states in both systems are equivalent, but the collective states arising after the chaotic synchronized state becomes unstable can be different in these two systems. It is found that the external drive induces chaotic synchronization as well as synchronization of unstable periodic orbits of the local dynamics in the driven lattice. On the other hand, the addition of a global interaction in the autonomous system allows for chaotic synchronization that is not possible in a large coupled map system possessing only local couplings.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figs, accepted in Phys. Rev.