Doppler synchronization of pulsating phases by time delay

Abstract

Synchronization by exchange of pulses is a widespread phenomenon, observed in flashing fireflies, applauding audiences and the neuronal network of the brain. Hitherto the focus has been on integrate-and-fire oscillators. Here we consider entirely analytic time evolution. Oscillators exchange narrow but finite pulses. For any non-zero time lag between the oscillators complete synchronization occurs for any number of oscillators arranged in interaction networks whose adjacency matrix fulfils some simple conditions. The time to synchronization decreases with increasing time lag.