The optimal oscillation mode in excitable small-world networks

The problem of oscillation mode recognition is one of the most important issues under investigation in the field of biological systems. In this paper, we have systematically investigated the optimal oscillation mode (OOM) identification in excitable small-world networks (ESWNs). It has been shown that rewiring probability, coupling strength and system size are the three determinants that can effectively determine the OOM in ESWN. The critical width is introduced to precisely identify the OOM, which is found to be dependent on the system size and independent of the coupling strength. It is revealed that the OOM will shift from the long-wave mode to the short-wave mode as the rewiring probability increases. On the contrary, it will drift toward the longer wave mode in two different manners with the increase of coupling strength and system size. Importantly, the mechanism of OOM selection in ESWN is also discussed. We hope our results will give people a deeper understanding of the key factors in determining OOM in ESWN.