Teams
Cluster Physics
The researcher activities of the Cluster Physics group are centered around the study of strongly out-of-equilibrium dynamics of aggregates and nano-objects. The reference method is Density Functional Theory (DFT) in its “Time-Dependent” version (TDDFT). TDDFT, in its standard form, is essentially an effective mean-field theory that allows the study of numerous dynamic situations but does not adequately incorporate correlations, particularly dynamic correlations, which are essential for understanding strongly out-of-equilibrium systems. This is a challenging topic that has been studied for decades in various fields of physics and chemistry. Progress is steady but slow.
Strongly Correlated Systems
The Strongly Correlated Systems (FFC) group focuses on the theoretical study of quantum many-body systems, especially those with strong correlations and magnetic frustration. The group is dedicated to understanding the complex behaviors of quantum models and materials that do not follow the classical regime, often leading to the emergence of exotic phases of matter such as quantum spin liquids, topological insulators, many-body localization, skymions, and various other strongly correlated unconventional states. The FFC group maintains strong collaborations with experimental groups and other theoretical teams worldwide, contributing to a broad network of research in quantum condensed matter physics. Their work not only advances the fundamental understanding of quantum materials, but also has implications for emerging technologies such as quantum computing and quantum information science.
Quantum Coherence
Technological progress leads to the realization of computer operations on smaller and smaller scales. This will eventually create a situation in which the communication, information and computation processes will be governed by quantum mechanics instead of classical mechanics. Therefore, the problem arises to design computers which will operate on the basis of quantum mechanical laws.
In this frame the enormous parallelism allowed by the quantum entanglement opens new horizons for information control. Information search of large databases becomes of great importance.
Statistical Physics of Complex Systems
The PhyStat group addresses problems spanning numerous areas of physics and the boundaries with other disciplines: soft matter and condensed matter physics, biophysics, fluid physics, nanoscience, astrophysics, stochastic processes and their applications, exact statistical physics, social physics, behavioral biology, robotics…
The common thread among the diverse systems studied by the PhyStat group lies in their dynamic nature and their fundamentally out-of-equilibrium character.
