Adaptive finite-time synchronisation of variable-order fractional chaotic systems for secure communication

The variable-order fractional (VOF) chaotic systems offer a promising solution for applications in secure communication due to their unique properties. This paper addresses the synchronisation problem in secure communication for these systems, which have uncertainties and external disturbances with unknown bounds. According to the variable-order fractional type Mittag-Leffler stability theorem, a fractional-order derivative is applied to a sliding surface, and suitable adaptive laws are devised to address uncertainties and disturbances. A variable-order fractional control strategy and a new criterion are developed to ensure the synchronisation error systems achieve asymptotic stability in finite time, for which the upper limit can be obtained. Simulation outcomes demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed synchronisation strategy in secure communication scenarios.