How do higher-order interactions shape the energy landscape?

Abstract

Understanding how higher-order interactions shape the energy landscape of coupled oscillator networks is crucial for characterizing complex synchronization phenomena. Here we investigate a generalized Kuramoto model with triadic interactions, combining deterministic basin analysis, noise-induced transitions, and quantum annealing methods. We uncover a dual effect of higher-order interactions: They simultaneously expand basins for nontwisted states while contracting those of twisted states yet modify potential well depths for both. As triadic coupling strengthens, higher-winding-number states and nontwisted states gain stability relative to synchronized states. The system exhibits remarkable stability asymmetry, where states with small basins can possess deep potential wells, making them highly resistant to noise-induced transitions once formed. These findings extend quasipotential theory to high-dimensional networked systems and offer new insights for controlling synchronization in complex systems.