Quantum Dynamics in Many-Body Systems

This project in the Theoretical and Computational Chemistry Program of the Division of Chemistry involves the development of a quantum dynamical theory for describing condensed phase processes. This theory is based on integrals over paths in classical phase space. A related aim of the project is the complete analysis of a new model for quantum Brownian motion; this is of fundamental importance since such motions of particles represent the simplest condensed phase dissipative process. %%% Modern mathematical methods which unite classical and quantum mechanical descriptions of the motions of particles are being used in this study to develop new theories of chemical reaction rates in both liquids and solids.