Patterns formed by spiral pairs in oscillatory media

We investigate by numerical simulations the dynamics of spiral pairs which are found in oscillatory and excitable media as described by the complex Ginzburg-Landau equation. Our simulations include two spiral pairs which approach each other and interact. The spirals typically exchange partners and form new pairs. This type of interaction gives rise to some patterns: a right-angle scattering pattern, a rotating state coming out of two traveling pairs, and a symmetric spiral lattice. The scenarios are compared to other conservative and dissipative systems where scattering at right angles is also observed.