Synchronization in networks with delayed coupling are ubiquitous in nature and play a key role in almost all fields of science including physics, biology, ecology, climatology and sociology. In general, the published works on network synchronization
are based on data analysis and simulations, with little experimental verification. Here we develop and experimentally demonstrate various multi-cluster phase synchronization scenarios within coupled laser networks. Synchronization is controlled by the network connectivity in accordance to number theory, whereby the number of synchronized clusters equals the greatest common divisor of network loops. This dependence enables remote switching mechanisms to control the optical phase coherence among distant lasers by local network connectivity adjustments. Our results serve as a benchmark for a broad range of coupled oscillators in science and technology, and offer feasible routes to achieve multi-user secure protocols in communication networks and parallel distribution of versatile complex combinatorial tasks in optical computers.
Zero-lag synchronization (ZLS) is achieved in a very restricted mutually coupled chaotic systems, where the delays of the self-coupling and the mutual coupling are identical or fulfil some restricted ratios. Using a set of multiple self-feedbacks we
demonstrate both analytically and numerically that ZLS is achieved for a wide range of mutual delays. It indicates that ZLS can be achieved without the knowledge of the mutual distance between the communicating partners and has an important implication in the possible use of ZLS in communications networks as well as in the understanding of the emergence of such synchronization in the neuronal activities.
