"Symmetries, Clusters, and Synchronization Patterns in Complex Networks"

Location: Laboratory for Telecommunication Sciences (LTS) Auditorium

Speaker:
Thomas E. Murphy
Electrical and Computer Engineering
University of Maryland

Abstract:
Synchronization is of central importance in power distribution, telecommunication, neuronal and biological networks. Many networks are observed to produce patterns of synchronized clusters, but it has been difficult to predict these clusters or understand the conditions for formation.

We will show the intimate connection between network symmetry and cluster synchronization, employing computational group theory to reveal the clusters and determine their stability. Using an electro-optic network, we observe and explain a surprising phenomenon in which some clusters lose synchrony while leaving others synchronized. The results could guide the design of new power grid systems or lead to new understanding of the dynamical behavior of networks ranging from neural to social.