title: Weak-link synchronization.
abstract: We describe a mutual synchronization mechanism observed in a model of fiber laser arrays. Though suboptimal in terms of total coherent power, the weak-link-synchronized state is far more robust than the in-phase state of a uniformly pumped array, with respect to parameter mismatch among the individual elements. We find similar dynamical behavior in a more general system of coupled oscillators where the amplitude dynamics is crucial.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Physical Science and Technology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA. dtsygank@umd.edu
authors.forename: Denis
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Tsygankov
authors.forename: Kurt
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wiesenfeld