Fundamental Concepts of Synchronization

Abstract

Objects with rhythms naturally synchronize. Synchronization is the coordination of events in order to run the system uniformly. Yet the phenomenon went entirely undocumented until 1665. Since the pioneering description of synchronization by Huygens, the phenomenon has been studied by various researchers in an interdisciplinary manner. Many researchers have contributed to the development of synchronization theory proving that synchronization occurs in coupled non-linear dissipative oscillators. Such oscillators range from mechanical clocks and population dynamics to human heart and neural networks. This article aims to explain the basic principles of synchronization theory. The history and applications of synchronization are discussed in real-world scenarios. We address different types of synchronization with a detailed discussion on the simplest type of synchronization. The phenomenon of synchronization applies to oscillations of different forms—periodic, noisy, and chaotic in nature. Here, we specifically discuss the oscillators which can hold synchronization. In particular, we provide an overview of self-sustained periodic and chaotic oscillators with a detailed description of different forms of these oscillators in phase space. Further, a summary of further research challenges has also been given for the future development of advanced applications based on natural synchronization phenomenon.