Controlling and synchronizing space time chaos

Control and synchronization of continuous space-extended systems is realize d by means of a finite number of local tiny perturbations. The perturbation s are selected by an adaptive technique, and they are able to restore each of the independent unstable patterns present within a space time chaotic re gime, as well as to synchronize two space time chaotic states. The effectiv eness of the method and the robustness against external noise is demonstrat ed for the amplitude and phase turbulent regimes of the one-dimensional com plex: Ginzhurg-Landau equation. The problem of the minimum number of local perturbations necessary to achieve control is discussed as compared with th e number of independent spatial correlation lengths. [S1063-651X(99)00806-5 ].