Unbalanced clustering and solitary states in coupled excitable systems

Abstract

We demonstrate the mechanisms of emergence and the link between two types of symmetry-broken states, the unbalanced periodic two-cluster states and solitary states, in coupled excitable systems with prevalent repulsive interactions. Solitary states in non-locally coupled arrays inherit their dynamical features from unbalanced cluster states in globally coupled networks. Apart from self-organization based on phase-locked synchrony, interplay of excitability and local multiscale dynamics also gives rise to leap-frog states involving alternating order of spiking. Noise suppresses multistability of cluster states and induces pattern homogenization, transforming solitary states into patterns of patched