- First experimental demonstration of fundamental patterns that govern oscillatory systems in nature and technology
- Synchronisation regions help scientists understand when things will stay in sync and when they won’t
- Known as Arnold’s tongues they are observed in natural phenomena such as heartbeats, pendulum swings and flashing lights.
An Aston University researcher has conducted the first experimental demonstration of intricate and previously theorised behaviours in the fundamental patterns that govern oscillatory systems in nature and technology.
Synchronisation regions, also known as Arnold’s tongues because of the shape they take when shown on a graph help scientists understand when things will stay in sync and when they won’t.
Arnold’s tongues are observed in a large variety of natural phenomena that involve oscillating quantities, such as heartbeats, pendulum swings or flashing lights.
Theoretical studies have suggested that under strong forcing, these regions could take on unexpected shapes, including leaf-like patterns and gaps representing unsynchronised states. Until now confirming such predictions experimentally had remained a significant challenge. The new study is the first time that these predicted behaviours have actually been observed in a physical system - proving that they really exist in nature and technology.
The study conducted by Dr Sonia Boscolo from Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies in collaboration with scientists from East China Normal University and the University of Burgundy in France “Unveiling the complexity of Arnold’s tongues in a breathing-soliton laser” has been published in the prestigious journal Science Advances.
Dr Boscolo and her team made their observations using a breathing-soliton laser – an ultrafast fibre laser that generates dynamic pulses with oscillatory behaviour. Their findings confirm the existence of the leaf-like structure and a ray-like pattern, the former previously only studied in a mathematical model 25 years ago. Additionally, they identified gaps in the ray-like synchronisation regions, further validating theoretical predictions.
The breakthrough builds on previous published studies by Dr Boscolo and her collaborators which established breathing-soliton lasers as an excellent platform for exploring complex synchronisation and chaotic dynamics. Unlike traditional systems that rely on external influences or coupled oscillators, these lasers provide a self-contained environment to study these behaviours.
Dr Boscolo said: “This discovery represents a major leap forward in our understanding of nonlinear systems.
“By experimentally confirming these intricate synchronisation patterns, we open the door for further research into unusual synchronisation phenomena across various physical systems.”
The findings are expected to have broad implications across multiple disciplines, potentially influencing fields such as neuroscience, telecommunications, and even space science. The ability to manipulate synchronisation regions could lead to new advancements in medical diagnostics, signal processing and optical communications.
- Notes to editors
Unveiling the complexity of Arnold’s tongues in a breathing-soliton laser
Science Advances
Publication Date - 18:00GMT, March 21 2025
DOI 10.1126/sciadv.ads3660
First Author
Xiuqi Wu, xqwu@lps.ecnu.edu.cn
East China Normal University, East China Normal University Chongqing Institute
Corresponding Author
Junsong Peng, jspeng922@163.com
East China Normal University, East China Normal University Chongqing Institute
Heping Zeng, hpzeng@phy.ecnu.edu.cn
East China Normal University, East China Normal University Chongqing Institute, Shanghai Research Center for Quantum Sciences
Aston University
Sonia Boscolo, s.a.boscolo@aston.ac.ukAbout Aston University
For over 130 years, Aston University has been making our world a better place through education, research and innovation. Our history is intertwined with the remarkable city of Birmingham, once the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and now the thriving base for an innovation ecosystem of global significance, which Aston is co-creating.
Our vision is to be a leading university for science, technology and enterprise, measured by the positive transformational impact we achieve for our people, students, businesses and the communities we serve.
Aston focuses on high-quality, exploitable research that has an impact on society through medical breakthroughs, advancements in engineering, policy and practice in government, and the strategies and performance of business.
The university offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes, as well as continuing professional development solutions.
Thanks to its focus on delivering excellent outcomes for students, Aston University's reputation continues to grow. It was recognised as the Daily Mail University of the Year for Student Success 2025, is second in England for social mobility (2023 HEPI Social Mobility Index), and is top 20 for graduate salaries (2024 Longitudinal Education Outcomes).
Aston University is now defining its place in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world.
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