Experimental time-delayed feedback control with variable and distributed delays

We report on several improvements of the classical time-delayed feedback control method for stabilization of unstable periodic orbits or steady states. In an electronic circuit experiment, we were able to realize time-varying and distributed delays in the control force leading to successful control for large parameter sets, including large time delays. The presented techniques make advanced use of the natural torsion of the orbits, which is also necessary for the original control method to work.