title: Coupling-induced oscillations in overdamped bistable systems.
abstract: It is well known that overdamped and unforced dynamical systems do not oscillate. However, well-designed coupling schemes, together with the appropriate choice of initial conditions, can induce oscillations when a control parameter exceeds a threshold value. We demonstrate this effect in a specific system, a soft-potential mean-field description of the dynamics in a (hysteretic) single-domain ferromagnetic sample. Using a specific (unidirectional, with cyclic boundary conditions) coupling scheme, together with nonidentical initial conditions, one can cause the coupled system of N elements (N odd) to oscillate when the coupling coefficient is swept through a critical value. The ensuing oscillations could find utility in the detection of very weak "target" signals, via their effect on the oscillation characteristics.
authors.affiliation: Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Code 2363, 53560 Hull Street, San Diego, California 92152-5001, USA. visarath.in@navy.mil
authors.forename: Visarath
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: In
authors.forename: Adi R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Bulsara
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Palacios
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Longhini
authors.forename: Andy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kho
authors.forename: Joseph D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Neff