We show that a current-biased series array of nonidentical Josephson junctions undergoes two transitions as a function of the spread of natural frequencies. One transition corresponds to the onset of partial synchronization, and the other corresponds to complete phase locking. In the limit of weak coupling and disorder, the system can be mapped onto an exactly solvable model introduced by Kuramoto and the transition points can be accurately predicted.

The circuit equations for certain series arrays of Josephson junctions can be mapped onto a simple model originally introduced by Kuramoto [in Proceedings of the International Symposium on Mathematical Problems in Theoretical Physics, edited by H. Araki, Lecture Notes in Physics Vol. 39 (Springer, Berlin, 1975)] to study fundamental aspects of frequency locking in large populations of nonlinear oscillators. This correspondence makes it possible to derive accurate theoretical predictions of transitions signaling the onset of partial and complete locking, respectively. We calculate that both transitions should be observable experimentally using present fabrication tolerances.

We numerically show that the synchronization of two chaotic semiconductor lasers is possible when a small amount of output intensity from one Is injected into the other. We also show that a message can be encoded in the chaotic carrier, transmitted by an optical fiber and decoded by a receiver with a very good quality.

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We examine the mutual coherence and phase dynamics of two solid-state lasers, generated adjacent to each other in a single Nd:YAG rod. The coupling of the lasers is varied by changing the separation of the pump beams. A model is formulated to interpret the experimental results, and theoretical predictions are obtained that are in excellent agreement with the measurements.