Eur. Phys. J. Special Topics 227, 1161–1171 (2018)
https://doi.org/10.1140/epjst/e2018-800039-y

Regular Article

Synchronization scenarios of chimeras in multiplex networks

Institut für Theoretische Physik, Technische Universität Berlin, Hardenbergstr, 36, 10623 Berlin, Germany

^a e-mail: schoell@physik.tu-berlin.de

Received: 2 April 2018
Received in final form: 6 June 2018
Published online: 12 December 2018

Abstract

Complex networks consisting of several interacting layers allow for remote synchronization of distant layers via an intermediate relay layer. We extend the notion of relay synchronization to chimera states, and study the scenarios of relay synchronization in a three-layer network of FitzHugh–Nagumo (FHN) oscillators, where each layer has a nonlocal coupling topology. Varying the coupling strength and time delay in the inter-layer connections, we observe relay synchronization between chimera states, i.e., complex spatio-temporal patterns of coexisting coherent and incoherent domains, in the outer network layers. Special regimes where only the coherent domains of chimeras are synchronized, and the incoherent domains remain desynchronized, as well as transitions between different synchronization regimes are analyzed.