Synchronization of chaotic structurally nonequivalent systems

Synchronization features are explored for a pair of chaotic high-dimensiona l bidirectionally coupled structurally nonequivalent systems. We find tao r egimes of synchronization in dependence on the coupling strength: creation of a lower dimensional chaotic state, and for larger coupling a transition toward a stable periodic motion. We characterize this new state, showing th at it is associated with an abrupt transition in the Lyapunov spectrum. The robustness of this state against noise is discussed, and the use of this d ynamical property as a possible approach for the control of chaos is outlin ed.