Control and managing of localized states in two-dimensional systems with periodic forcing

We study the formation of localized structures in two-dimensional systems with periodic forcing, showing that these types of systems provide an adequate framework for the study and control of localized structures. Theoretically, we introduce a dissipative f4 model as a prototype for a bistable spatially forced system, and we show that with different spatial forcings of small amplitudes, such as square or hexagonal grids, this model exhibits a family of localized structures. By changing the forcing parameters, we control the bistability between the various induced patterns. Experimentally, based on an optical feedback with spatially amplitude-modulated beam, we set-up a two-dimensional forced experiment in a nematic liquid crystal cell. By changing the forcing parameters, the system exhibits a family of localized structures that are confirmed by numerical simulations for the average liquid crystal tilt angle.