n:m phase synchronization with mutual coupling phase signals.

We generalize the n:m phase synchronization between two chaotic oscillators by mutual coupling phase signals. To characterize this phenomenon, we use two coupled oscillators to demonstrate their phase synchronization with amplitudes practically noncorrelated. We take the 1:1 phase synchronization as an example to show the properties of mean frequencies, mean phase difference, and Lyapunov exponents at various values of coupling strength. The phase difference increases with 2pi phase slips below the transition. The scaling rules of the slip near and away from the transition are studied. Furthermore, we demonstrate the transition to a variety of n:m phase synchronizations and analyze the corresponding coupling dynamics. (c) 2002 American Institute of Physics.