Optimal steering of a linear stochastic system to a final probability distribution

We consider the problem to steer a linear dynamical system with full state observation from an initial gaussian distribution in state-space to a final one with minimum energy control. The system is stochastically driven through the control channels; an example for such a system is that of an inertial particle experiencing random "white noise" forcing. We show that a target probability distribution can always be achieved in finite time. The optimal control is given in state-feedback form and is computed explicitely by solving a pair of differential Lyapunov equations that are coupled through their boundary values. This result, given its attractive algorithmic nature, appears to have several potential applications such as to active control of nanomechanical systems and molecular cooling. The problem to steer a diffusion process between end-point marginals has a long history (Schrödinger bridges) and therefore, the present case of steering a linear stochastic system constitutes a Schrödinger bridge for possibly degenerate diffusions. Our results, however, provide the first implementable form of the optimal control for a general Gauss-Markov process. Illustrative examples of the optimal evolution and control for inertial particles and a stochastic oscillator are provided. A final result establishes directly the property of Schrödinger bridges as the most likely random evolution between given marginals to the present context of linear stochastic systems.