Export citation

Export citation

Choose format for download:

Download Citation

    Emergence of minimal chimera in uncoupled oscillators under common frequency-modulated driving: Theory and experiment

    Debabrata Biswas1,* and Tanmoy Banerjee2

    • 1Department of Physics, Bankura University, Bankura 722 155, West Bengal, India
    • 2Chaos and Complex Systems Research Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Burdwan, Burdwan 713 104, West Bengal, India

    • *Contact author: debbisrs@gmail.com

    Phys. Rev. E 114, 024209 – Published 13 August, 2026

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/cd5n-fr86

    Abstract

    We report the experimental realization of minimal chimera states in a system of three uncoupled oscillators driven solely by frequency-modulated forcing. Unlike conventional scenarios where chimera states emerge due to interactions among oscillators, here the coexistence of coherent and incoherent dynamics arises entirely from a common external modulation of a system parameter. By tuning the modulation amplitude and frequency, the system exhibits transitions between global synchronization, global incoherence, and minimal chimera states. The stability of these regimes is quantified using the maximal Lyapunov exponent, while a synchronization order parameter is employed to characterize the degree of coherence. A systematic exploration of the parameter space reveals well-defined regions associated with distinct dynamical behaviors. To provide analytical understanding, we employ a phase-reduction approach and derive the corresponding phase dynamics, which elucidate the mechanisms underlying phase locking and desynchronization. The robustness of the proposed mechanism is further demonstrated in a time-delayed chaotic system. Finally, experimental results obtained from an electronic circuit realization confirm the emergence of minimal chimera states under frequency-modulated driving. These findings establish external modulation as a viable route to chimera formation without coupling, offering a unique perspective on collective dynamics in driven nonlinear systems.

    Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

    Authorization Required

    We need you to provide your credentials before accessing this content.

    References (Subscription Required)

    Outline

    Information

    Sign In to Your Journals Account

    Filter

    Filter

    Article Lookup

    Enter a citation