The phenomena of resonance and synchronisation are topics that are studied in various fields of science. In physical terms, resonance refers to the ability of a system to respond strongly to certain frequencies or types of vibration, while synchronisation describes the tendency of systems to coordinate their movements or phases. There are several branches of research and natural phenomena in which resonance and synchronisation come together:
1. Physics and quantum physics
In classical mechanics and quantum physics, resonance and synchronisation are crucial for understanding oscillating systems. One example is the coupling of pendulums, in which the pendulums can synchronise through resonance. In quantum physics, resonance and synchronisation phenomena occur at a subatomic level. Quantum entanglement and superposition show how particles can resonate with each other. Research by Streltsov et al. (2017) investigates how quantum resonance and synchronisation occur in complex systems:
‘Quantum coherence, entanglement and synchronisation are fundamental phenomena of quantum physics and quantum optics in particular. […] They show that the concepts of quantum coherence and quantum synchronisation are closely linked.’
Streltsov et al., 2017
2. Neurosciences
In the brain, both resonance and synchronisation play an important role in neuronal communication and information processing. Buzsáki and Draguhn (2004) describe the importance of neuronal oscillations and synchronisation:
“Neuronal synchronization has been proposed as a mechanism for solving the binding problem, that is, the integration of distributed information into a unified representation.”
Buzsáki & Draguhn, 2004
3. Chronobiology
Chronobiology investigates circadian rhythms that exhibit both resonance and synchronisation phenomena. Research by Roenneberg et al. (2013) shows how internal clocks resonate with external zeitgebers:
“The circadian system synchronizes physiology and behavior with the 24-h day. […] Entrainment is based on daily phase shifts of the circadian clock by zeitgebers, with light being the most important zeitgeber for humans.”
Roenneberg et al., 2013
4. Ecosystem research
Resonance and synchronisation phenomena can be observed in ecosystems, particularly in the interaction between different species and their environment. Blasius et al. (1999) investigated synchronisation in spatially extended ecological systems:
“We show that ecological populations can synchronize their dynamics over large spatial scales as a result of common environmental fluctuations.”
Blasius et al., 1999
5. Astrophysics
Resonance and synchronisation play an important role in the universe, for example in the formation of planetary systems and the dynamics of galaxies. Laskar et al. (2012) investigated resonances in the solar system:
“Resonances play a fundamental role in the dynamics of the solar system. […] They are responsible for the current architecture of the solar system and for its long-term stability.”
Laskar et al., 2012
6. Complex systems theory:
The theory of complex systems combines concepts of resonance and synchronisation to explain emergent phenomena in different areas. Boccaletti et al. (2002) investigated the synchronisation of complex networks:
“Synchronization of complex networks is a phenomenon of fundamental importance in science, nature, engineering, and social life.”
Boccaletti et al., 2002
These examples show that resonance and synchronisation play an important role in many areas of science and nature and are often intertwined. As an artistic researcher and AI philosopher, I see great potential in further exploring these phenomena and their entanglement to deepen our understanding of complex systems and possibly develop new applications in art, technology and philosophy.
Blasius, B., Huppert, A., & Stone, L. (1999). Complex dynamics and phase synchronization in spatially extended ecological systems. Nature, 399(6734), 354-359.
Boccaletti, S., Kurths, J., Osipov, G., Valladares, D. L., & Zhou, C. S. (2002). The synchronization of chaotic systems. Physics Reports, 366(1-2), 1-101.
Buzsáki, G., & Draguhn, A. (2004). Neuronal oscillations in cortical networks. Science, 304(5679), 1926-1929.
Laskar, J., Boué, G., & Correia, A. C. M. (2012). Tidal dissipation in multi-planet systems and constraints on orbit fitting. Astronomy & Astrophysics, 538, A105.
Roenneberg, T., Kantermann, T., Juda, M., Vetter, C., & Allebrandt, K. V. (2013). Light and the human circadian clock. In Circadian clocks (pp. 311-331). Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg.
Streltsov, A., Adesso, G., & Plenio, M. B. (2017). Colloquium: Quantum coherence as a resource. Reviews of Modern Physics, 89(4), 041003.