Effect of diversity distribution symmetry on global oscillations of networks of excitable units

Scialla S, Patriarca M, Heinsalu E, Yamakou M, Cartwright JH (2025)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2025

Journal

Physical Review E American Physical Society

Book Volume: 112

Article Number: 054201

Journal Issue: 5

DOI: 10.1103/lvb3-dc11

Abstract

We show that the degree of symmetry of the diversity distribution is the key determinant of global oscillations in coupled networks of FitzHugh-Nagumo units, used as prototypical examples of excitable systems. In these ensembles, symmetric diversity reliably yields resonant collective oscillations - even when all units are individually excitable - whereas asymmetric diversity suppresses them. Two symmetry-based metrics predict the presence or absence of global oscillations from the distribution alone. A simple mean-field mechanism, corroborated by a minimal two-unit analysis, explains how symmetry creates a landscape that supports limit cycles. These results identify diversity distribution symmetry as a key mechanism for emergent synchronization in excitable media.

Authors with CRIS profile

Marius Yamakou Department of Data Science

Involved external institutions

National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics / Keemilise ja Bioloogilise Füüsika Instituut (KBFI) Andalusian Earth Sciences Institute / Instituto Andaluz de Ciencias de la Tierra (IACT)

How to cite

APA:

Scialla, S., Patriarca, M., Heinsalu, E., Yamakou, M., & Cartwright, J.H. (2025). Effect of diversity distribution symmetry on global oscillations of networks of excitable units. Physical Review E, 112(5). https://doi.org/10.1103/lvb3-dc11

MLA:

Scialla, Stefano, et al. "Effect of diversity distribution symmetry on global oscillations of networks of excitable units." Physical Review E 112.5 (2025).

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