Abstract
In this lecture, the speaker will discuss his recent work in the control of cardiac alternans using the T+T- feedback control method, which gives dramatic reduction of cardiac alternans by small perturbations in pacing scheme. Alternans are alternating long and short action potential durations in heart beats, which are precursors of the fatal ventricular fibrillations. Predictions and validity of this control method have been verified by both experiments performed with isolated heart preparations and numerical simulations. A nonlinear return map for this novel pacing scheme based on action potential duration restitution response is proposed to explain the working mechanism of the control. This novel feedback control idea is further extended to general dynamical and physical systems such as the Logistic Map and chaotic compass motion, for controlling complex periodic motions and chaos.
About the speaker
Prof Pik-Yin Lai obtained his MSc and PhD in Physics from the University of Pittsburgh in 1984 and 1988 respectively. In 1992, after postdoctoral work at Pittsburgh, University of Georgia and Universität Mainz, he joined National Central University of Taiwan as an Associate Professor. He has been University Chair Professor of Physics there since 2009.
Prof Lai’s main research interest is biophysics, soft-condensed matter physics, statistical physics and non-linear physics, which combines theoretical research with experimental collaborations. He is one of the early pioneers working in the area of soft matter and biological physics and is a leading expert in statistical and polymer physics. He has published more than 150 research articles in internationally recognized refereed journals such as Physical Review, Physical Review Letters, Europhysics Letters, Journal of Chemical Physics, etc.
Prof Lai was a recipient of Taiwan’s National Science Council Outstanding Research Award. He was elected Fellow of the Physical Society of the Republic of China and the National Center for Theoretical Sciences of Taiwan in 2001 and 2004 respectively.
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