Transition to amplitude death in scale-free networks

Transition to amplitude death in scale-free networks of nonlinear oscillators is investigated. As the coupling strength increases, the network will undergo three stages in approaching to the state of complete amplitude death. The first stage is featured by a \emph{"stair-like"} distribution of the node amplitude, and the transition is accomplished by a \emph{hierarchical death} of the amplitude stairs. The second and third stages are characterized by, respectively, a continuing elimination of the synchronous clusters and a fast death of the non-synchronized nodes.