Phase Synchronization Is the Amplified Result by the Hilbert Transform

We investigate the interplay between phase synchronization and amplitude synchronization in nonlinear dynamical systems. It is numerically found that phase synchronization intends to be established earlier than amplitude synchronization. Nevertheless, amplitude synchronization (or the state with large correlation between the amplitudes) is crucial for the maintenance of a high correlation between two time series. A breakdown of high correlation in amplitudes will lead to a desynchronization of two time series. It is shown that these unique features are caused essentially by the Hilbert transform. This leads to a deep concern and criticism on the current usage of phase synchronization.