Synchronization of Chemical Waves in Diffusively Coupled Self-Oscillating Gels

Dynamics of chemical waves is investigated in two coupled self-oscillating gels prepared by covalently bonding a catalyst of the Belousov–Zhabotinsky reaction. In this type of gel, chemical waves induce periodical swelling-shrinking oscillation in the gels. The spacing between the two gels varies with such a volume oscillation. Various entrainments of the chemical oscillation occur depending on the difference in the concentration of the catalyst immobilized in the two gels. When the difference in catalyst concentration between the two gels becomes larger, synchronization accompanying the apparent reflection of chemical waves occurs. This phenomenon is characterized by various types of entrainments.