Synchronization of coupled assemblies of relaxation oscillatory electrode pairs

Spatiotemporal patterns emerging through coupling of identical relaxation oscillatory electrode pairs are studied. Each pair, consisting of an iron anode and a copper cathode, oscillates periodically under fixed applied potential difference conditions. It is shown that the system synchronizes rapidly (within few oscillatory cycles) and differences of natural frequencies as well as boundary effects are compensated. The effect of the geometrical configuration on the dynamic modes is investigated for relatively large assemblies of such oscillatory pairs. When oscillators are coupled through neighboring electrodes, the response is synchronized by a simultaneous formation of groups. The formation of groups due to enhancement or inhibition of the oscillations depends on the relative position of interacting anodes and cathodes. The behavior of the system is compared with the response of coupled relaxation cells of neurophysiological interest.