Validity of the phase approximation for coupled nonlinear oscillators: A case study

Motivated by neuroscience applications, we rigorously derive the phase dynamics of an ensemble of interconnected nonlinear oscillators under the effect of a proportional feedback. We individuate the critical parameters determining the validity of the phase approximation and derive bounds on the accuracy of the latter in reproducing the behavior of the original system. We use these results to study the existence of oscillating phase-locked solutions in the original oscillator model.