Emergent behavior in dynamically coupled oscillators and its application in detecting exogenous signals

In this paper, we investigate the onset of emergent behavior in a ring network of unidirectionally coupled Duffing oscillators, where the interaction takes place via a second order dynamical system. It is demonstrated that, with the proposed coupling scheme, the network exhibits richer dynamic behavior than in the traditional case, where the interaction is via diffusive and static couplings. In particular, it is shown that there exists a highly sensitive region in the parameter space of the dynamic coupling, where the network has different behaviors, ranging from chaotic and quasiperiodic motion to periodic limit cycles. In the study, these behaviors are characterized by using bifurcation diagrams, Lyapunov exponents, and Poincaré sections. Additionally, a potential application of the obtained results for sensing is discussed. Specifically, it is shown that, by operating within the highly sensitive region mentioned above, the network alters considerably its dynamic state when an arbitrary exogenous signal is applied to it, i.e., the network can be used as a sensor for detecting whether a given signal of interests is present or absent. • We investigate the onset of emergent behavior in a network of Duffing oscillators. • In our approach, the oscillators are dynamically coupled. • The proposed network exhibits rich dynamic behavior. • The obtained results may be useful for sensing applications.