We investigate spatio-temporal patterns occurring in a two-layer multiplex network of oscillatory FitzHugh-Nagumo neurons, where each layer is represented by a nonlocally coupled ring. We show that weak multiplexing, i.e., when the coupling between the layers is smaller than that within the layers, can have a significant impact on the dynamics of the neural network. We develop control strategies based on weak multiplexing and demonstrate how the desired state in one layer can be achieved without manipulating its parameters, but only by adjusting the other layer. We find that for coupling range mismatch, weak multiplexing leads to the appearance of chimera states with different shapes of the mean velocity profile for parameter ranges where they do not exist in isolation. Moreover, we show that introducing a coupling strength mismatch between the layers can suppress chimera states with one incoherent domain (one-headed chimeras) and induce various other regimes such as in-phase synchronization or two-headed chimeras. Interestingly, small intra-layer coupling strength mismatch allows to achieve solitary states throughout the whole network.

To date, explosive synchronization (ES) in a network is shown to be originated from considering either degree-frequency correlation, frequency-coupling strength correlation, inertia, or adaptively controlled phase oscillators. Here we show that ES is a generic phenomenon and can occur in any network by multiplexing it with an appropriate layer without even considering any prerequisite for the emergence of ES. We devise a technique which leads to the occurrence of ES with hysteresis loop in a network upon its multiplexing with a negatively coupled (or inhibitory) layer. The impact of various structural properties of positively coupled (or excitatory) and inhibitory layers along with the strength of multiplexing in gaining control over the induced ES transition is discussed. Analytical prediction for the spread of phase distribution of each layer is provided, which is in good agreement with the numerical assessment. This investigation is a step forward in highlighting the importance of multiplex framework not only in bringing phenomena which are not possible in an isolated network but also in providing more structural control over the induced phenomena.

This Letter investigates the transition to synchronization of oscillator ensembles encoded by simplicial complexes in which pairwise and higher-order coupling weights alter with time through a rate-based adaptive mechanism inspired by the Hebbian learning rule. These simultaneously evolving disparate adaptive coupling weights lead to a phenomenon in that the in-phase synchronization is completely obliterated; instead, the antiphase synchronization is originated. In addition, the onsets of antiphase synchronization and desynchronization are manageable through both dyadic and triadic learning rates. The theoretical validation of these numerical assessments is delineated thoroughly by employing Ott-Antonsen dimensionality reduction. The framework and results of the Letter would help understand the underlying synchronization behavior of a range of real-world systems, such as the brain functions and social systems where interactions evolve with time.

It is known that intralayer adaptive coupling among connected oscillators instigates explosive synchronization (ES) in multilayer networks. Taking an altogether different cue in the present work, we consider interlayer adaptive coupling in a two-layer multiplex network of phase oscillators and show that the scheme gives rise to ES with an associated hysteresis. The hysteresis is shaped by the interlayer coupling strength and the frequency mismatch between the mirror nodes. We provide a rigorous mean-field analytical treatment and show that the analytical predictions are in fair agreement with the numerical assessments. Moreover, the analytical predictions provide extensive insight into how adaptive interlayer coupling suppresses the formation of a giant cluster, eventually giving birth to ES. The study will help in spotlighting the role of interlayer adaptation in the emergence of ES in real-world systems represented by multilayer architecture. In particular, it is relevant to those systems which have limitations towards changes in intralayer coupling strength.