Collective frequencies and metastability in networks of limit-cycle oscillators with time delay

Abstract

We analyze the dynamic behavior of large two-dimensional systems of limit-cycle oscillators with random intrinsic frequencies that interact via time-delayed nearest-neighbor coupling. We find that even small delay times lead to a novel form of frequency depression where the system decays to stable states which oscillate at a delay and interaction-dependent reduced collective frequency. For greater delay or tighter coupling between oscillators we find metastable synchronized states that we describe analytically and numerically.