Theoretical Chemistry
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
Introduction to the quantum theory of atoms and molecules, how they are made and how they behave.
Expected learning outcomes
Students will acquire full knowledge and ability to solve quantum chemistry and quantum dynamics problems iin chemistry.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
State space and operator algebra. Spectral resolution. Measurement process in quantum mechanics. Deterministic evolution and time-dependent Schrodinger equation. Time-evolution operator, basic properties and series representation. Dynamical derivatives. Schrodinger, Heisenberg and Dirac pictures. Time-dependent perturbation theory. Applications: free-particle, wavepacket for direct and reciprocal space representation, Heller wavepacket evolution, frozen and thawed Gaussians, two-level system, dynamic polarizability and photoabsorption.
O1 Mixed states, density operator, Liouville-von Neumman equation. Interaction with an environment, Markov approximation, Lindblad equation (in brief). Linear response theory, response function, Kubo-Martin-Schwinger relation, fluctuation-dissipation theorem.
Born-Oppenheimer approximation. Time-dependent transition probability. Diabatic framework and diabatic electronic probability transition. Adiabatic framework and the Landau-Zener formula. The surface hopping.
Numerically exact solution of the Schrodinger equation: exact diagonalization, split-operator, Lanczos method. Approximation solutions: the time-dependent variational principleand the variational methods. Configurational methods: TDSCF, MCTDH, ML-MCDTH.
O2 The electronic problem: wave function vs. electron density. Hartree-Fock and post-Hartree-Fock methods: perturbation theory, multiconfigurational methods, configuration itneraction. Density functional theory: Thomas-Fermi model, Hohenberg-Kohn theorems and Khon-Sham method. Exchange and correlation functionals. Pseudopotentials.
Macroscopic derivation of the rate constant. Microscopic derivation of the rate constant. Collisional and reactive cross-section. Transition State Theory. Unimolecular reations. Marcus theory for electron transfer.
Semiclassical theory. Feynman's path integrals.
[O1 e O2 are mutually exclusive and agreed with the students, on the basis of their interests.]
O1 Mixed states, density operator, Liouville-von Neumman equation. Interaction with an environment, Markov approximation, Lindblad equation (in brief). Linear response theory, response function, Kubo-Martin-Schwinger relation, fluctuation-dissipation theorem.
Born-Oppenheimer approximation. Time-dependent transition probability. Diabatic framework and diabatic electronic probability transition. Adiabatic framework and the Landau-Zener formula. The surface hopping.
Numerically exact solution of the Schrodinger equation: exact diagonalization, split-operator, Lanczos method. Approximation solutions: the time-dependent variational principleand the variational methods. Configurational methods: TDSCF, MCTDH, ML-MCDTH.
O2 The electronic problem: wave function vs. electron density. Hartree-Fock and post-Hartree-Fock methods: perturbation theory, multiconfigurational methods, configuration itneraction. Density functional theory: Thomas-Fermi model, Hohenberg-Kohn theorems and Khon-Sham method. Exchange and correlation functionals. Pseudopotentials.
Macroscopic derivation of the rate constant. Microscopic derivation of the rate constant. Collisional and reactive cross-section. Transition State Theory. Unimolecular reations. Marcus theory for electron transfer.
Semiclassical theory. Feynman's path integrals.
[O1 e O2 are mutually exclusive and agreed with the students, on the basis of their interests.]
Prerequisites for admission
Attending Chimica Fisica A, Chimica Quantistica e Metodi matematici applicati alla chimica is strongly recommended
Teaching methods
Traditional. The course is organized through a series of lectures on blackboard. To support the lessons, a rich teaching material is made available, consisting of lesson handouts written by the instructors. Attending is encouraged and 6 CFU: 48 hours of teaching.
Teaching Resources
Suggested readings:
- D. Tannor, Introduction to Quantum Mechanics: A Time-Dependent Perspective, University Science Books, Sausalito, CA, 2007
- R.D. Levine, Molecular Reaction Dynamics, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2005
- A. Messiah, Quantum mechanics, Dover Publications, New York, 2000
- A. Nitzan, Chemical Dynamics in Condensed Phases: Relaxation, Transfer and Reactions in Condensed Molecular Systems, Oxford University Press, 2006
For most of the topics addressed lectures notes can be provided upon request.
- D. Tannor, Introduction to Quantum Mechanics: A Time-Dependent Perspective, University Science Books, Sausalito, CA, 2007
- R.D. Levine, Molecular Reaction Dynamics, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2005
- A. Messiah, Quantum mechanics, Dover Publications, New York, 2000
- A. Nitzan, Chemical Dynamics in Condensed Phases: Relaxation, Transfer and Reactions in Condensed Molecular Systems, Oxford University Press, 2006
For most of the topics addressed lectures notes can be provided upon request.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination consists of an oral interview, roughly 40' long, for the first part of the course and a written examination for the second one. The student will be challenged on the understanding and applicability of the laws and theorems presented during the classroom lectures. To this end, the student will also be prompted to solve simple exercises on topics addressed during the classroom lectures. Final evaluation is in a range of 30 and it will be an average between the two parts.
CHIM/02 - PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professors:
Ceotto Michele, Martinazzo Rocco
Shifts:
Professor(s)