Taming Chimeras in Networks through Multiplexing Delays

Abstract: Chimera referring to a coexistence of coherent and incoherent states, is traditionally very difficult to control due to its peculiar nature. Here, we provide a recipe to construct chimera states in the multiplex networks with the aid of multiplexing-delays. The chimera state in multiplex networks is produced by introducing heterogeneous delays in a fraction of inter-layer links, referred as multiplexing-delay, in a sequence. Additionally, the emergence of the incoherence in the chimera state can be regulated by making appropriate choice of both inter- and intra-layer coupling strengths, whereas the extent and the position of the incoherence regime can be regulated by appropriate placing and {strength} of the multiplexing delays. The proposed technique to construct such {engineered} chimera equips us with multiplex network's structural parameters as tools in gaining both qualitative- and quantitative-control over the incoherent section of the chimera states and, in turn, the chimera. Our investigation can be of worth in controlling dynamics of multi-level delayed systems and attain desired chimeric patterns.