NSF Young Investigator

麦驰博士获得美国国家科学基金会理论与计算化学项目青年研究员奖，从事凝聚态体系隧道过程的理论研究。马克将采用一种自旋玻色子模型，该模型涉及耦合到谐波槽的两态系统，作为耗散隧穿反应的主要模型。选择这个模型系统是因为它体现了真实系统的物理内容的本质，但同时又保持了足够的简单性，便于处理。Mak将使用这个模型来研究：1)水溶液中的电子转移反应；2)轻粒子在固体中的扩散；3)量子电子器件。许多重要的化学过程和材料性质都依赖于一种被称为量子隧穿的现象。涉及电子转移的生物反应，氢原子通过金属的扩散，以及谐振隧道二极管和量子干涉晶体管等电子设备的操作都是涉及量子隧道现象的例子。麦博士的理论研究有助加深我们对这些分子过程的认识，并有助我们设计具有重要化学及物理性质的新材料。

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.