First-Principle Quantum Simulations
permit to gain knowledge
faster and cheaper than what be gained through experiment alone.
Monte Carlo simulations are a powerful tool for determining
the exact ground state of quantum systems.
Electron Momentum Spectrocopies
such as
Inelastic X-ray scattering ,
Compton scattering ,
Positron annihilation and
(e,2e)
can observe the motion
and correlation of the electrons
that chacterize condensed matter systems.
They are therefore useful to understand the Physics and the
Chemistry of materials with
potential technological impact.
Nanoparticles have attracted extensive studies because of their
application prospects as quantum devices and because of the fundamental
interest in mesoscopic systems. Positron annihilation is a particularly
powerful probe to determine
their electronic properties. Besides
point defects in semiconductors as low as
1 in 10 million can be identified by the same technique.
The Quantum Nature of the Hydrogen Bond
plays a major role in determining the
structure of water, ice and
biological systems .
New information on
the hydrogen bond systems such water clusters and ice may allow
nanotechnologists to design more advanced
self-assembling materials
,
which rely on hydrogen bonds to put themselves together.
The bio-nano interface
holds promise for future technologies.
An important area of research is to develop
solar cells based on artificial photosynthesis, which are
capable of satisfying the demands for clean energy in the new millennium.
