Quantum Dynamics and Quantum Chaos

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This project will use pen-on-paper theory and computational methodology to investigate quantum chaotic effects in molecular systems. A system is said to be chaotic if tiny initial changes grow exponentially with time. Ultimately, no quantum system can be chaotic (owing to the uncertainty principle), but in practice many systems behave chaotically at short times when the dynamics can be treated approximately classically. This project will build on recent findings in the Althorpe group in which early-time quantum chaos is shown to be controlled by delocalised quantum objects known as instantons. The project will extend this previous work from simple prototypes to treat realistic multidimensional models, including vibrating molecules in the gas and condensed phase, where the effects of quantum chaos are still unknown and can potentially impact the interpretation of non-linear spectroscopy experiments.