Delayed feedback control of dynamical systems at a subcritical Hopf bifurcation.

We consider the delayed feedback control of a torsion-free unstable periodic orbit originated in a dynamical system at a subcritical Hopf bifurcation. Close to the bifurcation point the problem is treated analytically using the method of averaging. We discuss the necessity of employing an unstable degree of freedom in the feedback loop as well as a nonlinear coupling between the controlled system and controller. To demonstrate our analytical approach the specific example of a nonlinear electronic circuit is taken as a model of a subcritical Hopf bifurcation.