Pattern formation in semiconductors:: control of spatio-temporal dynamics

Semiconductors driven far from thermodynamic equilibrium by an applied do voltage exhibit a variety of spatio-temporal electronic instabilities including complex and chaotic scenarios. We study stabilization of chaotic spatio-temporal patterns in spatially extended semiconductor models by time delayed feedback control. Different control schemes, e.g., a diagonal control matrix, or global control, or combinations of both, are compared. Specifically, we use two models of semiconductor nanostructures which are of particular current interest: (i) superlattice, (ii) double-barrier resonant-tunneling diode. (C) 2004 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.