Chaos has long been studied as an intriguing mathematical phenomenon, yet engineers usually see it as an undesirable effect to be avoided in designed systems. However, a new view has recently emerged, and researchers now recognize that chaos may offer substantial benefits to a number of engineering applications, including communications, remote sensing, biomedical applications, and mechanical design. This change in perspective was keyed by two important discoveries: (1) chaotic systems are easily controlled and (2) multiple chaotic systems can synchronize. These discoveries have shown that the unpredictable instability of chaos may be transformed into natural versatility and flexibility. Consequently, much theoretical and experimental research has advanced this new area of chaos engineering.

Ongoing research in nonlinear dynamics addresses engineering chaos for useful gain in practical applications. Theoretical concerns include conditions for high-quality synchronization, analysis of chaos-based communication techniques, and controlling symbolic dynamics. Experimental research seeks new chaotic sources, simple and efficient control methods, chaos-based communication devices, and components for RF chaos. Application areas include electronic circuits, RF systems, communications, and radar. Laboratory facilities are available to support experimental work in these areas.

 

Keywords:

Nonlinear dynamics; Chaos; Control; Synchronization; Chaos communication; Symbolic dynamics;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral and Senior applicants