The dynamical and statistical behavior of lag synchronization in two coupled self-sustained chaotic Rössler oscillators is reexamined. The lack of uniqueness in the conventional characterization of lag synchronization based on the similarity function has caused much skepticism about the existence of lag synchronization. We provide an evidence that the emergence of lag synchronization is associated with the transition from on-off intermittency to a periodic structure in the laminar phase distribution.

• Received 17 October 2001

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.65.036202