Designing better materials and quantum systems with Computational Methods

Designing better materials and quantum systems with Computational Methods
Herbert Fotso, Physics, SUNY Albany
Herbert Fotso
Date and time: Thu, Oct 19, 2017 - 11:30am
Refreshments at 11:15am
Location: LGRT 1033
Category: Condensed Matter Seminar
Abstract:

Correlated quantum systems have the potential to significantly transform the world around us. In order to harness this potential, a detailed understanding of their behavior is needed. However, the many degrees of freedom that confer to these systems their rich properties have also made them rather  elusive to a theoretical understanding that is based on previously well established analytical methods. Computational approaches have, as a result, played an essential role. I will highlight the success of computational approaches and also identify some of their current limitations. Useful as they may be, the scope of these methods is still restricted and may ultimately be tied to, as postulated by Richard Feynman over 30 years ago, the fact that classical computers are being used to study quantum systems. Today, a new avenue is being explored in which quantum simulators and quantum computing may alter this paradigm. I will introduce quantum simulators and quantum computers from this perspective and also discuss some of the challenges that need to be overcome in this effort.