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At least 1,225 records · Page 68

Symmetry Breaking Bias and the Dynamics of a Quantum Phase Transition

The Kibble-Zurek mechanism predicts the formation of topological defects and other excitations that quantify how much a quantum system driven across a quantum critical point fails to be adiabatic. We point out that, thanks to the divergent linear susceptibility at the critical point, even a tiny symmetry breaking bias can restore the adiabaticity. Furthermore, the minimal required bias scales like τ Q - β δ / ( 1 + z ν ) , where β , δ , z , ν are the critical exponents and τ Q is a quench time. We test this prediction by DMRG simulations of the quantum Ising chain. It is directly applicable to the recent emulation of quantum phase transition dynamics in the Ising chain with ultracold Rydberg atoms.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Implementing a Laser Stabilization System for Trapping Ca+ Ions: an Internship Reflection

At Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, I contributed to a project developing 3D printed micro ion traps for quantum computing. I designed, implemented, and assessed a laser stabilization system that locked lasers to the frequencies required for calibrating our High Finesse WS8-10 wavelength meter and for laser cooling and trapping of Ca+ ions. I also programmed a Python interface for hardware communication, data collection, and statistical analysis. Additionally, I optimized and aligned laser beam paths, and I implemented a closed digital feedback loop using Proportional, Integral, and Derivative (PID) control parameters. I analyzed both the long-term and short-term behavior of our locked lasers and adjusted PID parameters to enhance performance. Furthermore, I used COMSOL to simulate the capacitance of a linear Paul trap design and predict our trap’s performance. The procedures I developed for the interface, analysis, and simulations will continue to support the ion trapping experiment after my appointment. I strengthened my skills in data analysis, Python coding, and optical alignment for laser systems. My confidence as a researcher grew, particularly in communicating my research. This experience taught me the importance of careful planning and consideration in research and solidified my desire to continue exploring novel quantum technology as an undergraduate

42 ENGINEERING↗

Effective matrix model for nuclear physics on a quantum computer

In this project we studied a simplified potential from [1] describing nuclear physics from quark and gluon fields, where spatial degrees of freedom have been integrated over. This potential deals with the phase structure of the strong interaction. We created a matrix representation of the Hamiltonian for this theory using discrete quantum mechanics [2]. We then feed this Hamiltonian to IBM's Qiskit package [3]. We run on IBM's 32-qubit quantum simulator, which approximates the ground state energy using the variational quantum eigensolver (VQE) algorithm [4]. This result is then compared with the exact ground state energy, which we can calculate classically since the matrices we use are still small enough. The bosonic Hamiltonian for a 6-qubit representation took over 1000 Pauli factors to represent fully. To improve our performance, we can look for a more efficient representation of this model's Hamiltonian. We will develop a better variational trial wave function and initial state, as well as include the effect of fermions and heavy quarks on the potential.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

An ab initio exciton model for singlet fission

Here we present an ab initio exciton model that extends the Frenkel exciton model and includes valence, charge-transfer, and multiexcitonic excited states. It serves as a general, parameter-free, yet computationally efficient and scalable approach for simulation of singlet fission processes in multichromophoric systems. A comparison with multiconfigurational methods confirms that our exciton model predicts consistent energies and couplings for the pentacene dimer and captures the correct physics. Calculations of larger pentacene clusters demonstrate the computational scalability of the exciton model and suggest that the mixing between local and charge-transfer excitations narrows the gap between singlet and multiexcitonic states. Local vibrations of pentacene molecules are found to facilitate singlet–multiexcitonic state-crossing and hence are important for understanding singlet fission. The exciton model developed in this work also sets the stage for further implementation of the nuclear gradients and nonadiabatic couplings needed for first principles nonadiabatic quantum molecular dynamics simulations of singlet fission.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Institutional Computing: Annual Progress Report, Precision early universe simulations to constrain nuclear reactions and beyond standard model physics

The current one-year allocation (w20 qburst) is the first year in a two year allocation of the same name. The project has supported two publications in peer-review journals, another manuscript in preparation for publication, a white paper for the Astro2020 Decadal Survey, and a number of talks (see below). Code development continues on implementing a neutrino quantum kinetic equation solver into BURST, now called QBURST. While implementing coherent and forward-scattering processes into the dynamical neutrino evolution equations, multiple numerical issues have appeared. We have remedied a number of these issues through extensive debugging and testing, which include streamlining interpolation and implementing new ODE integration techniques. Further testing is required to solve the problem at a precision of better than one part in 10 6 . We expect that we will understand the numerical difficulties and implement solutions by end of year 2021.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

On the Asymptotic Behavior of the Kernel Function in the Generalized Langevin Equation: A One-Dimensional Lattice Model

We present some estimates for the memory kernel function in the generalized Langevin equation, derived using the Mori–Zwanzig formalism from a one-dimensional lattice model, in which the particles interactions are through nearest and second nearest neighbors. The kernel function can be explicitly expressed in a matrix form. The analysis focuses on the decay properties, both spatially and temporally, revealing a power-law behavior in both cases. The dependence on the level of coarse-graining is also studied.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Real-Time Time-Dependent Nuclear–Electronic Orbital Approach: Dynamics beyond the Born–Oppenheimer Approximation

The quantum mechanical treatment of both electrons and nuclei is crucial in nona- diabatic dynamical processes such as proton-coupled electron transfer. The nuclear electronic orbital (NEO) method provides an elegant framework for including nuclear quantum effects beyond the Born-Oppenheimer approximation. To enable the study of nonequilibrium properties, we derive and implement a real-time NEO (RT-NEO) approach based on time-dependent Hatree-Fock or density functional theory, in which both the electronic and nuclear degrees of freedom are propagated in a time-dependent variational framework. Nuclear and electronic spectral features can be resolved from the time-dependent dipole moment computed using the RT-NEO method. The test cases demonstrate the dynamical interplay between the quantum nuclei and the electrons through vibronic coupling. Moreover, vibrational excitation in the RT-NEO approach is demonstrated by applying a resonant driving eld, and electronic excitation is demonstrated by simulating excited state intramolecular proton transfer. This work shows that the RT-NEO approach is a promising tool to study nonadiabatic quantum dynamical processes within a time-dependent variational description for the coupled electronic and nuclear degrees of freedom.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

TeraChem protocol buffers ( TCPB ): Accelerating QM and QM/MM simulations with a client–server model

The routine use of electronic structures in many chemical simulation applications calls for efficient and easy ways to access electronic structure programs. Here, we describe how the graphics processing unit (GPU) accelerated electronic structure program TeraChem can be set up as an electronic structure server, to be easily accessed by third-party client programs. We exploit Google’s protocol buffer framework for data serialization and communication. The client interface, called TeraChem protocol buffers (TCPB), has been designed for ease of use and compatibility with multiple programming languages, such as C++, Fortran, and Python. To demonstrate the ease of coupling third-party programs with electronic structures using TCPB, we have incorporated the TCPB client into Amber for quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) simulations. The TCPB interface saves time with GPU initialization and I/O operations, achieving a speedup of more than 2× compared to a prior file-based implementation for a QM region with ~250 basis functions. We demonstrate the practical application of TCPB by computing the free energy profile of p-hydroxybenzylidene-2,3-dimethylimidazolinone (p-HBDI - )—a model chromophore in green fluorescent proteins—on the first excited singlet state using Hamiltonian replica exchange for enhanced sampling. All calculations in this work have been performed with the non-commercial freely-available version of TeraChem, which is sufficient for many QM region sizes in common use.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Simulations of relativistic quantum plasmas using real-time lattice scalar QED

Real-time lattice quantum electrodynamics (QED) provides a unique tool for simulating plasmas in the strong-field regime, where collective plasma scales are not well separated from relativistic-quantum scales. As a toy model, we study scalar QED, which describes self-consistent interactions between charged bosons and electromagnetic fields. To solve this model on a computer, we first discretize the scalar-QED action on a lattice, in a way that respects geometric structures of exterior calculus and U(1)-gauge symmetry. The lattice scalar QED can then be solved, in the classical-statistics regime, by advancing an ensemble of statistically equivalent initial conditions in time, using classical field equations obtained by extremizing the discrete action. To demonstrate the capability of our numerical scheme, we apply it to two example problems. The first example is the propagation of linear waves, where we recover analytic wave dispersion relations using numerical spectrum. The second example is an intense laser interacting with a one-dimensional plasma slab, where we demonstrate natural transition from wakefield acceleration to pair production when the wave amplitude exceeds the Schwinger threshold. Our real-time lattice scheme is fully explicit and respects local conservation laws, making it reliable for long-time dynamics. The algorithm is readily parallelized using domain decomposition, and the ensemble may also be computed using quantum parallelism in the future.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Possible Kitaev Quantum Spin Liquid State in 2D Materials with S=3/2

Quantum spin liquids (QSLs) form an extremely unusual magnetic state in which the spins are highly correlated and fluctuate coherently down to the lowest temperatures, but without symmetry breaking and without the formation of any static long-range-ordered magnetism. Such intriguing phenomena are not only of great fundamental relevance in themselves, but also hold promise for quantum computing and quantum information. Further, among different types of QSLs, the exactly solvable Kitaev model is attracting much attention, with most proposed candidate materials, e.g., RuCl 3 and Na 2 IrO 3 , having an effective $\textit{S}$ = 1/2 spin value. Here, via extensive first-principles-based simulations, we report the investigation of the Kitaev physics and possible Kitaev QSL state in epitaxially strained Cr-based monolayers, such as CrSiTe 3 , that rather possess a $\textit{S}$ = 3/2 spin value. Our study thus extends the playground of Kitaev physics and QSLs to 3$\textit{d}$ transition metal compounds.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Using Graph Partitioning for Scalable Distributed Quantum Molecular Dynamics

The simulation of the physical movement of multi-body systems at an atomistic level, with forces calculated from a quantum mechanical description of the electrons, motivates a graph partitioning problem studied in this article. Several advanced algorithms relying on evaluations of matrix polynomials have been published in the literature for such simulations. We aim to use a special type of graph partitioning to efficiently parallelize these computations. For this, we create a graph representing the zero–nonzero structure of a thresholded density matrix, and partition that graph into several components. Each separate submatrix (corresponding to each subgraph) is then substituted into the matrix polynomial, and the result for the full matrix polynomial is reassembled at the end from the individual polynomials. This paper starts by introducing a rigorous definition as well as a mathematical justification of this partitioning problem. We assess the performance of several methods to compute graph partitions with respect to both the quality of the partitioning and their runtime.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Characterizing the Excited States and Electronic Absorption Spectra of Small Alkylperoxy (RO 2 •) and Hydroperoxy (•QOOH) Radicals

Organic peroxy (ROO•) and hydroperoxy (•QOOH) radicals are key reactive intermediates that are formed via the oxidation of volatile organic compounds during combustion or in the Earth’s atmosphere. Their primary fate is continued unimolecular decay or bimolecular chemistry, the relative branching for which is heavily structure- and temperature-dependent. This article outlines a combined single- and multi-reference quantum chemical study to characterize the near-UV accessible electronically excited states of the prototypical ROO• and •QOOH intermediates, tert-butyl peroxy and hydroperoxy-tert-butyl radicals—the ground-state chemistries of which have been well studied both experimentally and computationally. Additionally, we simulate the electronic absorption profiles of these ROO• and •QOOH intermediates with a variety of multi- and single-reference methods. The results show an interesting conformer dependence on the electronically excited-state character and electronic absorption maxima of •QOOH. The results show promise for electronic absorption spectroscopy to be used as a selected probe for determining •QOOH conformers. Additionally, electronic absorption may contribute to the daytime removal of long-lived •QOOH intermediates formed in the troposphere. We expect that our studies will motivate experiments on the electronic absorption spectra of experimentally achievable ROO• and •QOOH.

excited states↗

Faster spectral density calculation using energy moments

Abstract Accurate predictions of inclusive scattering cross sections in the linear response regime require efficient and controllable methods to calculate the spectral density in a strongly-correlated many-body system. In this work we reformulate the recently proposed Gaussian Integral Transform technique in terms of Fourier moments of the system Hamiltonian which can be computed efficiently on a quantum computer. One of the main advantages of this framework is that it allows for an important reduction of the computational cost by exploiting previous knowledge about the energy moments of the spectral density. For a simple model of medium mass nucleus like $$^{40}$$ 40 Ca and target energy resolution of 1 MeV we find an expected speed-up of $$\approx 125$$ ≈ 125 times for the calculation of the giant dipole response and of $$\approx 50$$ ≈ 50 times for the simulation of quasi-elastic electron scattering at typical momentum transfers.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Computational tools for the simulation and analysis of spin-polarized EPR spectra

The EPR spectra of paramagnetic species induced by photoexcitation typically exhibit enhanced absorptive and emissive features resulting from sublevel populations that differ from thermal equilibrium. The populations and the resulting spin polarization of the spectra are dictated by the selectivity of the photophysical process generating the observed state. Simulation of the spin-polarized EPR spectra is crucial in the characterization of both the dynamics of formation of the photoexcited state as well as its electronic and structural properties. EasySpin, the simulation toolbox for EPR spectroscopy, now includes extended support for the simulation of the EPR spectra of spin-polarized states of arbitrary spin multiplicity and formed by a variety of different mechanisms, including photoexcited triplet states populated by intersystem crossing, charge recombination or spin polarization transfer, spin-correlated radical pairs created by photoinduced electron transfer, triplet pairs formed by singlet fission and multiplet states arising from photoexcitation in systems containing chromophores and stable radicals. In this paper, we highlight EasySpin’s capabilities for the simulation of spin-polarized EPR spectra on the basis of illustrative examples from the literature in a variety of fields ranging across chemistry, biology, material science and quantum information science.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Comparison of 1D and 2D particle-in-cell simulations for DC magnetron sputtering discharges

One-dimensional and two-dimensional particle-in-cell (PIC)/Monte Carlo collision simulations are performed for a balanced direct current magnetron sputtering (DCMS) discharge. The plasma parameters obtained by both simulations above the target racetrack share similar features and magnitudes under similar discharge intensities, i.e., similar local discharge current densities. The commonly observed high-energy tail of electron energy distribution in DCMS discharges is reproduced in both simulations. Additionally, the accuracy and applicability of using onedimensional simulations to qualitatively investigate the characteristics of balanced DCMS discharge are confirmed. In terms of capturing the key physical mechanisms in DCMS, one-dimensional PIC simulation is an efficient method, which could largely alleviate the computational expense and preserve the physical fidelity of modeling results.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

A Fiber-Optic System Generating Pulses of High Spectral Density

A cascade fiber-optic system that generates pulses of high spectral density by using the effect of nonlinear spectral compression is proposed. It is demonstrated that the shape of the pulse envelope substantially influences the degree of compression of its spectrum. In so doing, maximum compression is achieved for parabolic pulses. The cascade system includes an optical fiber exhibiting normal dispersion that decreases along the fiber length, thereby ensuring that the pulse envelope evolves toward a parabolic shape, along with diffraction gratings and a fiber spectral compressor. Based on computer simulation, we determined parameters of cascade elements leading to maximum spectral density of radiation originating from a subpicosecond laser pulse of medium energy.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

DeePKS + ABACUS as a Bridge between Expensive Quantum Mechanical Models and Machine Learning Potentials

Recently, the development of machine learning (ML) potentials has made it possible to perform large-scale and long-time molecular simulations with the accuracy of quantum mechanical (QM) models. However, for different levels of QM methods, such as density functional theory (DFT) at the meta-GGA level and/or with exact exchange, quantum Monte Carlo, etc., generating a sufficient amount of data for training an ML potential has remained computationally challenging due to their high cost. In this work, we demonstrate that this issue can be largely alleviated with Deep Kohn–Sham (DeePKS), an ML-based DFT model. DeePKS employs a computationally efficient neural network-based functional model to construct a correction term added upon a cheap DFT model. Upon training, DeePKS offers closely matched energies and forces compared with high-level QM method, but the number of training data required is orders of magnitude less than that required for training a reliable ML potential. As such, DeePKS can serve as a bridge between expensive QM models and ML potentials: one can generate a decent amount of high-accuracy QM data to train a DeePKS model and then use the DeePKS model to label a much larger amount of configurations to train an ML potential. Further, this scheme for periodic systems is implemented in a DFT package ABACUS, which is open source and ready for use in various applications.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Multistage nucleation pathway in LiF molten salt mirrors the crystal–melt interface structure

Despite over a century of studies, fundamental questions remain about the processes governing crystal nucleation from melts or solutions. Research over the past three decades has presented mounting evidence for kinetic pathways of crystal nucleation that are more complex than envisioned by the simplest forms of classical theory. Such observations have been presented for colloidal and elemental systems with covalent and metallic bonding. Despite the technological and geochemical importance of molten salts, similar studies for these ionically bonded systems are currently lacking. Here we develop a machine learning interatomic potential for a model ionic system: LiF. The potential features quantum-level accuracy for both liquid and multiple solid polymorphs over wide temperature and pressure ranges and accurately reproduces experimentally measured properties. Thanks to the efficiency of the potential, which enables microsecond-scale molecular dynamics simulations, induction times for nucleation of LiF solids from their melts are computed over a range of undercoolings. With the aid of a set of robust local order parameters established here, the simulations reveal that homogeneous crystal nucleation in undercooled melts preferentially initiates from liquid regions showing slow dynamics and high bond orientational order simultaneously, and the second-shell order of both precritical nuclei and the surface of postcritical nuclei is dominated by hexagonal close packing and body-centered cubic local structure, even though the nucleus core is dominated by face-centered cubic structure corresponding to the stable rocksalt crystal structure. Finally, we establish a connection between the crystallization pathway and the equilibrium crystal-melt interface structure.

Applied Physical Sciences↗