# Functional role of synchronization: A mean-field control perspective

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2502.00590 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2502.00590/

## Key facts

- No citing papers in the map yet (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 16 of its 71 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 1 Feb 2025.

## Builds on (most cited first, 16 of 16)

- [Emergent Abilities of Large Language Models](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2206.07682/) (2022)
- [A mathematical perspective on Transformers](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2312.10794/) (2023)
- [Poisson's equation in nonlinear filtering](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1412.5845/) (2014)
- [Optimal Transportation Methods in Nonlinear Filtering: The feedback particle filter](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2102.10712/) (2021)
- [A Survey of Feedback Particle Filter and related Controlled Interacting Particle Systems (CIPS)](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2301.00935/) (2023)
- [Convex Q Learning in a Stochastic Environment: Extended Version](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2309.05105/) (2023)
- [Power Systems Without Fuel](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1506.04799/) (2015)
- [Synchronization in a Kuramoto Mean Field Game](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2210.12912/) (2022)
- [Phase-amplitude descriptions of neural oscillator models](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1302.0476/) (2013)
- [Ensemble Control of Cycling Energy Loads: Markov Decision Approach](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1701.04941/) (2017)
- [A tractable formulation for multi-period linearized optimal power flow in presence of thermostatically controlled loads](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1908.09167/) (2019)
- [Viscosity Solutions for McKean-Vlasov Control on a torus](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2212.11053/) (2022)
- [Ancillary Service to the Grid Using Intelligent Deferrable Loads](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1402.4600/) (2014)
- [Jet Lag Recovery: Synchronization of Circadian Oscillators as a Mean Field Game](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1804.04729/) (2018)
- [Phase Distribution Control of a Population of Oscillators](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1811.10562/) (2018)
- [A Continuation Method for Large-Scale Modeling and Control: from ODEs to PDE, a Round Trip](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2101.10060/) (2021)

## Abstract (arXiv)

The broad goal of the research surveyed in this article is to develop methods for understanding the aggregate behavior of interconnected dynamical systems, as found in mathematical physics, neuroscience, economics, power systems and neural networks. Questions concern prediction of emergent (often unanticipated) phenomena, methods to formulate distributed control schemes to influence this behavior, and these topics prompt many other questions in the domain of learning. The area of mean field games, pioneered by Peter Caines, are well suited to addressing these topics. The approach is surveyed in the present paper within the context of controlled coupled oscillators.