Synchronization in multiplex networks of chaotic oscillators with frequency mismatch

Abstract We explore numerically inter-layer synchronization of spatiotemporal patterns in a heterogeneous bilayer network of nonlocally coupled Rossler oscillators. Both layers exhibit phase chimera regimes with similar cluster structures, but there is a mean frequency mismatch between the layers. We show that an entrainment of the mean frequency in the interacting layers is observed already for sufficiently weak inter-layer coupling even when the frequency mismatch is large. At the same time, frequency synchronization does not mean structure synchronization. Our numerical study indicates that inter-layer synchronization takes place within noticeably shorter ranges of the frequency mismatch and the inter-layer coupling strength than the frequency synchronization regime. Besides, we show that the weakest chaotic behavior is observed when both frequency and structure synchronizations occur, while the most developed chaotic oscillations are typical when the spatiotemporal structures in the layers are desynchronized.