Control and synchronization of space extended dynamical systems

We discuss the issues of controlling and synchronizing continuous space extended systems in the case of two bidirectionally coupled fields, each one obeying one-dimensional CGL. When the two equations are identical, control and synchronization are achieved by means of a finite number of local tiny perturbations, selected by an adaptive technique. We address the problem of the minimum number of local perturbations needed to realize control and synchronization. When the two equations are nonidentical, we show how to induce the appearance of different kinds of synchronized states, depending on the difference in the uncoupled dynamical regimes of the considered fields. Finally, we discuss the role of space-time defects in mediating the process leading to perfect synchronization between the two systems.