title: Synchronized cluster formation in coupled laser networks.
abstract: We experimentally investigate the phase dynamics of laser networks with homogenous time-delayed mutual coupling and establish the fundamental rules that govern their state of synchronization. We identified a specific substructure that imposes its synchronization state on the entire network and show that for any coupling configuration the network forms at most two synchronized clusters. Our results indicate that the synchronization state of the network is a nonlocal phenomenon and cannot be deduced by decomposing the network into smaller substructures, each with its individual synchronization state.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics of Complex Systems, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
authors.forename: Micha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nixon
authors.forename: Moti
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Friedman
authors.forename: Eitan
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ronen
authors.forename: Asher A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Friesem
authors.forename: Nir
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Davidson
authors.forename: Ido
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Kanter