Dynamical clustering in oscillator ensembles with time-dependent interactions

Abstract

We consider an ensemble of coupled oscillators whose individual states, in addition to the phase, are characterized by an internal variable with autonomous evolution. The time scale of this evolution is different for each oscillator, so that the ensemble is inhomogeneous with respect to the internal variable. Interactions between oscillators depend on this variable and thus vary with time. We show that as the inhomogeneity of time scales in the internal evolution grows, the system undergoes a critical transition between ordered and incoherent states. This transition is mediated by a regime of dynamical clustering, where the ensemble recurrently splits into groups formed by varying subpopulations.