Nearest neighbors, phase tubes, and generalized synchronization

In this paper we report on the necessity of the refinement of the concept of generalized chaotic synchronization. We show that the state vectors of the interacting chaotic systems being in the generalized synchronization regime are related to each other by the functional, but not the functional relation as it was assumed until now. We propose the phase tube approach explaining the essence of generalized synchronization and allowing the detection and the study of this regime in many relevant physical circumstances. The finding discussed in this Brief Report provides great potential for different applications.