Collective behavior of identical Stuart–Landau oscillators in a star network with coupling asymmetry effects

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the impact of the asymmetry of a coupling scheme on oscillator dynamics in a star network. We obtained stability conditions for the collective behavior of the systems, ranging from an equilibrium point over complete synchronization (CS) and quenched hub incoherence to remote synchronization states using both numerical and analytical methods. The coupling asymmetry factor α significantly influences and determines the stable parameter region of each state. For α ≠ 1, the equilibrium point can emerge when the Hopf bifurcation parameter a is positive, which is impossible for diffusive coupling. However, CS can occur even if a is negative under α < 1. Unlike diffusive coupling, we observe more behavior when α ≠ 1, including additional in-phase remote synchronization. These results are supported by theoretical analysis and validated through numerical simulations and independent of network size. The findings may offer practical methods for controlling, restoring, or obstructing specific collective behavior.