More is different: advancing quantum physics through computation

Place: PH5009, NSYSU, Dept of Physics
Time: 15.00, Wednesday,  2023 June 07
Speaker: Prof. Shiwei Zhangr (Flatiron Institute, USA)

Title :
More is different: advancing quantum physics through computation

Abstract:

A central theme in modern physics and chemistry is to understand and reliably predict properties of the quantum effects of interacting electrons. An incredibly rich set of phenomena arise through the combination of structures/topology and interactions, which offer many opportunities for scientific and technological breakthroughs. The task is daunting, because of the intrinsic challenges in solving the many-body Schrodinger equation. Recently, significant progress has been made by computational approaches, through algorithmic advances, benchmarks, and the combined use of complementary methods in a multi-messenger manner. I will discuss some of these developments, what they have revealed about model systems for high-temperature superconductivity and quantum chemistry, and the prospect for systematic, predictive computations in more realistic quantum materials.

Bio:
Shiwei Zhang is Senior Research Scientist/Group Leader at the Center for Computational Quantum Physics of the Flatiron Institute. Dr Zhang is a world leader in the study of quantum systems by Monte Carlo approaches. Methods he pioneered have been applied in condensed matter, quantum chemistry, ultra-cold atoms, and nuclear physics. He received a B.S. from the University of Science and Technology of China and Ph.D. from Cornell University. He held the position of Chancellor Professor of Physics at the College of William & Mary until 2021.
Professor Zhang is a Fellow of the American Physical Society, and has received a number of awards for his research and teaching.