Bistability in a Hyperchaotic System with a Line Equilibrium

A hyperchaotic system with an infinite line of equilibrium points is described. A criterion is proposed for quantifying the hyperchaos, and the position in the three-dimensional parameter space where the hyperchaos is largest is determined. In the vicinity of this point, different dynamics are observed including periodicity, quasi-periodicity, chaos, and hyperchaos. Under some conditions, the system has a unique bistable behavior, characterized by a symmetric pair of coexisting limit cycles that undergo period doubling, forming a symmetric pair of strange attractors that merge into a single symmetric chaotic attractor that then becomes hyperchaotic. The system was implemented as an electronic circuit whose behavior confirms the numerical predictions.