Materials Research Lecture

Computer simulations that predict the light-induced change in the physical and chemical properties of complex systems, molecules, nanostructures and solids usually ignore the quantum nature of light.  We have recently shown how the effects of the photons can be properly included in such calculations.  The basic idea is to treat the full QED system of particles and photons as a quantum fluid. Here the particles are represented by a charge current, and the photons by a classical electromagnetic field that acts on the current in a very complex manner.  This study opens up the possibility to predict and control the change of material properties due to the interaction with light particles from first principles .

Here we will review the recent advances within density-functional a schemes to describe spectroscopic properties of complex systems with special emphasis to modeling  time and spatially resolved electron spectroscopies   We will discuss the theoretical approaches developed in the group  for  the characterization of matter out of equilibrium, the control material processes at the electronic level and tailor material properties, and  master energy and information on the nanoscale to propose new devices with capabilities. We will focus on examples  linked to the efficient conversion of light into electricity or chemical fuels ("artificial photosynthesis") and the design on new nanostructure based optoelectronic devices, among others.  

Our  goal is to provide a detailed, efficient, and at the same time accurate microscopic approach for the ab-initio description and control of the dynamics of decoherence and dissipation in quantum many-body systems. This theoretical framework provides a new way to control and alter chemical reactions in complex systems,  direct the movement of electrons, selectively trigger physico-chemical processes, and create new state of mater.