Multi-valued mappings in generalized chaos synchronization

The onset of generalized synchronization of chaos in directionally-coupled systems corresponds to the formation of a continuous mapping which enables one to persistently define the state of the response system from the trajectory of the drive system. The recently developed theory of generalized synchronization of chaos deals only with the case where this synchronization mapping is a single-valued function. In this paper, we explore generalized synchronization in a regime where the synchronization mapping can become a multi-valued function. Specifically, we study the properties of the multi-valued mapping which occurs between the drive and response systems when the systems are synchronized with a frequency ratio other than one-to-one, and address the issues of the existence and continuity of such mappings. The basic theoretical framework underlying the considered synchronization regimes is then developed.