NSF Young Investigator

麦琪博士获得了美国国家科学基金会理论和计算化学计划颁发的青年研究员奖的支持，对凝聚相系统中的隧道过程进行理论研究。Mak将使用一个自旋-玻色子模型，该模型包括一个耦合到谐波池的两态系统，作为耗散隧道反应的主要模型。这个模型系统被选为一个体现了真实系统的物理内容的本质，但同时又保留了足够的简单性以便于处理的系统。Mak将使用这个模型来研究：1)水中的电子转移反应；2)轻粒子在固体中的扩散；以及3)量子电子器件。%许多重要的化学过程和材料性质取决于一种称为量子隧道的现象。涉及电子转移的生物反应、氢原子在金属中的扩散，以及共振隧道二极管和量子干涉晶体管等电子器件的操作，都是涉及量子隧道现象的例子。麦博士进行的理论研究将加强我们对这些分子过程的理解，并帮助我们将这种理解用于设计具有重要化学和物理性质的新材料。

Dr. Chi Mak is supported by an NSF Young Investigator Award from the Theoretical and Computational Chemistry Program to perform theoretical studies of tunneling processes in condensed phase systems. Mak will employ a spin-boson model which involves a two-state system coupled to a harmonic bath as a primary model for dissipative tunneling reactions. This model system has been chosen as one which embodies the essence of the physical contents of the real system, but at the same time retains sufficient simplicity to be tractable. Mak will employ this model to study: 1) aqueous electron transfer reactions; 2) light particle diffusion in solids; and 3) quantum electron devices. %%% A number of important chemical processes and materials properties depend on a phenomenon known as quantum tunneling. Biological reactions which involve electron transfer, the diffusion of hydrogen atoms through metals, and the operation of electronic devices such as the resonant tunneling diode and the quantum interference transistor are all examples of phenomena which involve quantum tunneling. The theoretical studies performed by Dr. Mak will enhance our understanding of these molecular processes, and help us to put that understanding to use in designing new materials with important chemical and physical properties.