Routes to complete synchronization via phase synchronization in coupled nonidentical chaotic oscillators.

We study the transition route to complete synchronization through phase synchronization in generic coupled nonidentical chaotic oscillators. Through numerical studies, two routes are found, i.e., one, via lag synchronization, the other, via the intermittent chaotic burst state without lag synchronization. We claim that these two routes are universal. As evidence, we analyze several examples on the basis of the conventional theory of intermittency in the presence of noise.