Chimera-like states in networks of oscillators with mixed repulsive coupling

Abstract

Chimera states, characterized by the coexistence of synchronized and desynchronized oscillations, have become a hallmark of complex systems. While traditionally explored in networks with attractive coupling, this work investigates the emergence of chimera-like states (coexistence of oscillatory and death states) in networks of repulsively coupled Stuart–Landau oscillators through the introduction of mixed coupling, incorporating repulsive interactions. We explore how the balance between these opposing forces influences the formation and stability of chimera-like patterns. Through numerical simulations of coupled Stuart–Landau oscillators, we demonstrate that mixed coupling can indeed facilitate the emergence of chimera-like states in repulsively dominant networks. We analyze the spatiotemporal dynamics of these patterns, examining the size, distribution, and coherence of synchronized and desynchronized domains. Our findings reveal that the balance between attraction and repulsion can lead to novel types of chimera-like states in Stuart–Landau oscillators, distinct from those observed in purely repulsive coupled networks. These results contribute to a broader understanding of chimera phenomena and highlight the crucial role of mixed coupling in shaping collective dynamics in complex oscillator networks, specifically within the context of Stuart–Landau oscillators.