Transformation between dense and sparse spirals in symmetrical bistable media

Transformation between dense and sparse spirals is studied numerically based on a bistable FitzHugh-Nagumo model. It is found that the dense spiral can transform into two types of sparse spirals via a subcritical bifurcation: positive phase sparse spiral and negative phase sparse spiral. The choice of the two types of sparse spirals after the transformation is affected remarkably by the boundary effect if a small domain size is applied. Moreover, the boundary effect gives rise to novel meandering of sparse spiral with only outward petals. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3425868]