Use of synchronization and adaptive control in parameter estimation from a time series

A technique is introduced for estimating unknown parameters when time series of only one variable from a multivariate nonlinear dynamical system is given. The technique employs a combination of two different control methods, a linear feedback for synchronizing system variables and an adaptive control. The technique is shown to work even when the unknown parameter appears in the evolution equations of the variables other than the one for which the time series is given. The technique not only esablishes that explicit detailed information about all system variables and parameters is contained in a scalar time series, but also gives a way to exract it out under suitable conditions. Illustrations are presented and effect of noise is studied.