We explore quantum + classical theories of molecules, materials, and their interaction with light
Quantum mechanics reigns at the atomic scale, yet classical mechanics successfully predicts large-scale phenomena. As such, we have two complementary theories with each their own realm of applicability. But what defines the quantum–classical boundary? Developments in quantum materials and quantum information science are increasingly pushing quantum behaviors into scales formerly attributed to the classical realm. Conversely, one may wonder how far we can extend the success of classical mechanics into the quantum realm.
These are questions driving the research in The Tempelaar Team. By exploring the interface of quantum and classical theories, we seek to better understand the foundations of both quantum and classical behaviors, to replace computationally-expensive quantum models by inexpensive classical models, and to construct new hybrid models invoking both classical and quantum mechanics. In doing so, we seek to optimally contribute to breakthroughs in chemistry, physics, and materials science by targeting well-defined scientific problems and by closely collaborating with experimental scientists.
In some materials, quantum behaviors emanating from the constituent electrons survive at macroscopic scales, giving rise to unusual material properties with far-reaching technological implications. How do electronic quantum effects survive in an environment of vibrating nuclei? We seek to address this question by developing new mixed quantum–classical models that go beyond the Born–Oppenheimer approximation in realistically capturing electron–nuclear interactions within a material.
Electrons, nuclei, and photons each carry a spin degree of freedom which can be used to store and process quantum information. Quantum information applications oftentimes rely on coupling photonic spin states to chiral excitations in matter, which relies in chiroptical interactions. We seek to amplify and control such interactions by using optical resonators. This poses the need for novel chiroptical materials, some of which we have helped develop.
Strong coupling of quantum excitations in matter to confined optical fields gives rise to a new hybrid light–matter state called polariton. Polariton formation radically changes the properties of the host materials, with tunability afforded by the applied optical field, opening a new realm for chemical control and materials engineering. We study the behavior of polaritons through the development of full quantum models as well as models that represent optical fields classically through Maxwell's equations.
Roel Tempelaar Principal investigator
Anna Bondarenko Postdoctoral researcher
Ethan Byrd Undergraduate student
Antonio Garzón Ramírez Postdoctoral researcher
Ming-Hsiu Hsieh Graduate student (2021)
Kyle Kairys Graduate student (2023)
Alex Krotz Graduate student (2020)
Chientzu Lin Graduate student (2022)
Ken Miyazaki Postdoctoral researcher
Mirjeta Remaley Program coordinator
Andrew Salij Graduate student (2019)
Luis Sierra Ossa Graduate student (2023)
Connor Terry Weatherly Graduate student (2020)
In collaboration with Science in Society, and under National Science Foundation funding, we are developing an introductory course in Python programming. By means of a series of "escape room"-like challenges driven by a narrative, we aim to present an engaging and playful course that fosters excitement about coding among early high-schoolers. The course infrastructure will be web-based and tailored to smartphones, intended to increase the likelihood of student engagement "beyond the classroom" among a demographic that has easier access to smartphones than to computers. Through the course's use of Python, the students will gain familiarity with a highly capable and abundant programming language, acquiring experience and skills that are increasingly relevant to employment.
A prototype of our coding course is currently available, consisting of a single sequence with narrative-driven challenges. We have run a pilot based on this prototype at Lake View High School in Chicago, and based on student feedback we are currently designing the actual programming course. Stay tuned for updates...