The asymptotic behavior of the order parameter for the infinite-N Kuramoto model.

The Kuramoto model, first proposed in 1975, consists of a population of sinusoidally coupled oscillators with random natural frequencies. It has served as an idealized model for coupled oscillator systems in physics, chemistry, and biology. This paper addresses a long-standing problem about the infinite-N Kuramoto model, which is to describe the asymptotic behavior of the order parameter for this system.

Identical phase oscillators with global sinusoidal coupling evolve by Mobius group action.

Systems of N identical phase oscillators with global sinusoidal coupling are known to display low-dimensional dynamics. Although this phenomenon was first observed about 20 years ago, its underlying cause has remained a puzzle. Here we expose the structure working behind the scenes of these systems by proving that the governing equations are generated by the action of the Mobius group, a three-parameter subgroup of fractional linear transformations that map the unit disk to itself.