Non-linear coupling in two non-linear delayed acoustic resonators

Building on our previous work on a Hopf resonator that mimics the cochlear amplifier from Reda, Fink, and Lemoult [(2023). Europhys. Lett. 144(3), 37001], we now turn to the fact that the inner ear comprises thousands of such resonators, which interact through coupling mechanisms. To gain insight into these interactions, we investigate the coupling of two acoustic resonators with slightly detuned resonance frequencies, interacting through time-delayed feedback loops. By modulating the gain of the loop and the coupling strength, we demonstrate the emergence of frequency synchronization at low amplitudes and bifurcations leading to desynchronization at higher amplitudes. This tunable non-linear interaction offers insights into resonance phenomena in coupled systems, with potential implications for auditory modeling and complex acoustic systems.