Synchronization
A Universal Concept in Nonlinear Sciences

The book describes synchronization phenomena using both classical results and more recent developments.

Arkady Pikovsky (Author), Michael Rosenblum (Author), Jürgen Kurths (Author)

9780521533522, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 24 April 2003

432 pages, 222 b/w illus.
24.3 x 17 x 2.4 cm, 0.68 kg

'… stands out from the word …' Mathematics Today

First recognized in 1665 by Christiaan Huygens, synchronization phenomena are abundant in science, nature, engineering and social life. Systems as diverse as clocks, singing crickets, cardiac pacemakers, firing neurons and applauding audiences exhibit a tendency to operate in synchrony. These phenomena are universal and can be understood within a common framework based on modern nonlinear dynamics. The first half of this book describes synchronization without formulae, and is based on qualitative intuitive ideas. The main effects are illustrated with experimental examples and figures, and the historical development is outlined. The remainder of the book presents the main effects of synchronization in a rigorous and systematic manner, describing classical results on synchronization of periodic oscillators, and recent developments in chaotic systems, large ensembles, and oscillatory media. This comprehensive book will be of interest to a broad audience, from graduate students to specialist researchers in physics, applied mathematics, engineering and natural sciences.

Preface
1. Introduction
Part I. Synchronization Without Formulae: 2. Basic notions: the self-sustained oscillator and its phase
3. Synchronization of a periodic oscillator by external force
4. Synchronization of two and many oscillators
5. Synchronization of chaotic systems
6. Detecting synchronization in experiments
Part II. Phase Locking and Frequency Entrainment: 7. Synchronization of periodic oscillators by periodic external action
8. Mutual synchronization of two interacting periodic oscillators
9. Synchronization in the presence of noise
10. Phase synchronization of chaotic systems
11. Synchronization in oscillatory media
12. Populations of globally coupled oscillators
Part III. Synchronization of Chaotic Systems: 13. Complete synchronization I: basic concepts
14. Complete synchronization II: generalizations and complex systems
15. Synchronization of complex dynamics by external forces
Appendix 1. Discovery of synchronization by Christiaan Huygens
Appendix 2. Instantaneous phase and frequency of a signal
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Physics [PH], Nonlinear science [PBWR]