Jeremy Richardson: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2020 |
| Name | Prof. Dr. Jeremy Richardson |
| Field | Theoretical Molecular Quantum Dynamics |
| Address | Inst. Mol. Phys. Wiss. ETH Zürich, HCI D 267.3 Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1-5/10 8093 Zürich SWITZERLAND |
| Telephone | +41 44 633 46 36 |
| rjeremy@ethz.ch | |
| URL | http://www.richardson.ethz.ch |
| Department | Chemistry and Applied Biosciences |
| Relationship | Associate Professor |
| Number | Title | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 529-0442-00L | Advanced Kinetics  | 6 credits | 3G | J. Richardson | |
| Abstract | This lecture covers the theoretical and conceptual foundations of quantum dynamics in molecular systems. Particular attention is taken to derive and compare quantum and classical approximations which can be used to simulate the dynamics of molecular systems and the reaction rate constant used in chemical kinetics. | ||||
| Learning objective | The theory of quantum dynamics is derived from the time-dependent Schrödinger equation. This is illustrated with molecular examples including tunnelling, recurrences, nonadiabatic crossings. We consider thermal distributions, correlation functions, interaction with light and nonadiabatic effects. Quantum scattering theory is introduced and applied to discuss molecular collisions. The dynamics of systems with a very large number of quantum states are discussed to understand the transition from microscopic to macroscopic dynamics. A rigorous rate theory is obtained both from a quantum-mechanical picture as well as within the classical approximation. The approximations leading to conventional transition-state theory for polyatomic reactions are discussed. In this way, relaxation and irreversibility will be explained which are at the foundation of statistical mechanics. By the end of the course, the student will have learned many ways to simplify the complex problem posed by quantum dynamics. They will understand when and why certain approximations are valid in different situations and will use this to make quantitative and qualitative predictions about how different molecular systems behave. | ||||
| Lecture notes | Will be available online. | ||||
| Literature | D. J. Tannor, Introduction to Quantum Mechanics: A Time-Dependent Perspective R. D. Levine, Molecular Reaction Dynamics S. Mukamel, Principles of Nonlinear Optical Spectroscopy | ||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | 529-0422-00L Physical Chemistry II: Chemical Reaction Dynamics | ||||
| 529-0479-00L | Theoretical Chemistry, Molecular Spectroscopy and Dynamics | 1 credit | 2S | F. Merkt, M. Reiher, J. Richardson, R. Signorell, H. J. Wörner | |
| Abstract | Seminar on theoretical chemistry, molecular spectroscopy and dynamics (research seminar) | ||||
| Learning objective | Seminar on theoretical chemistry, molecular spectroscopy and dynamics (research seminar) | ||||
| 529-0499-00L | Physical Chemistry | 1 credit | 1K | B. H. Meier, A. Barnes, M. Ernst, P. H. Hünenberger, G. Jeschke, F. Merkt, M. Reiher, J. Richardson, R. Riek, S. Riniker, T. Schmidt, R. Signorell, H. J. Wörner | |
| Abstract | Seminar series covering current developments in Physical Chemistry | ||||
| Learning objective | Discussing current developments in Physical Chemistry | ||||
| 529-0809-00L | Theoretical Chemistry Seminar | 0 credits | 2S | M. Reiher, J. Richardson | |
| Abstract | Seminar on recent developments in Theoretical Chemistry presented by guest speakers. | ||||
| Learning objective | Doktorats- und Mitarbeiterschulung | ||||
| Content | Variiert nach aktuellem Stand der Forschung | ||||
| Literature | Will be announced on http://www.reiher.ethz.ch/courses-and-seminars/theoretical-chemistry.html | ||||