A quantum of light for materials science
Tuesday, December 1, 2015 - 15:40
in Physics & Chemistry
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. Scientists of the Max-Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter at CFEL in Hamburg and the Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society in Berlin have now shown how the effects of the photons can be properly included in such calculations. 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. The study is reported today in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.