Work

Nonreciprocal coupling triggers pinning-depinning transitions of wavefronts in bistable systems chains

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Coupled discrete systems with reciprocal and nonreciprocal couplings exhibit unexpected and counterintuitive phenomena compared to continuous systems. We investigate the pinning-depinning transition induced by nonreciprocal coupling in nonlinear wave propagation connecting different equilibria in bistable system chains. Theoretically, based on a prototype model of a bistable chain system with nonreciprocal coupling, we show that the latter triggers pinning-depinning transitions of fronts between homogeneous states. Experimentally, we study a chain of bistable systems with nonreciprocal coupling by employing a liquid-crystal light valve with nonreciprocal optical feedback. This system exhibits the propagation of fronts between homogeneous states. The fronts display a pinning-depinning transition by increasing the nonreciprocal coupling, achieved by increasing optical feedback offset. Close to the bifurcation, the front velocity is characterized by a square root law as a function of the bifurcation parameter. We can adequately account for the experimental observations using a tight-binding theoretical model.

Source: Physical Review Research

DOI: 10.1103/9ypt-4kvs

Authors: L. B. Ramirez-Moya, M. Diaz-Zuniga, M. G. Clerc, P. J. Aguilera-Rojas

Institutions: Austral University of Chile, University of Chile

Language: English

Topic: Nonlinear Dynamics and Pattern Formation

Subfield: Computer Networks and Communications

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,625

Funders: Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo, Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo Científico y Tecnológico