The book “Quantum Mechanics and Path Integrals” by Feynman and Hibbs gives an excellent introduction to the path-integral view of quantum mechanics. This formulation of quantum mechanics, albeit conceptually equivalent to many other formulations, provides a unique perspective to solve problems. One example is that it builds a natural connection to statistical mechanics. And also it has been the foundation of a variety of numerical methods to simulated quantum dynamics for large-scale systems (hundreds of atoms).

It will be an enjoyable reading experience if one has a basic understanding of the quantum mechanics.

I gave a talk at the ACS National meeting at Boston about our work on “Quantifying early time decoherence dynamics through fluctuations” in the information theory session honoring Prof. Levine.  Got excellent questions and comments from students and Prof. Nitzan!

Decoherence is a process where a pure quantum mechanical system (described by a wavefunction) reduces to a statistical mixture of states (described by a density matrix). It is of great relevance for a wide variety of problems in Chemistry and Physics such as quantum-classical transition, relaxation, energy and electron transfer, quantum information and computation. The book “Decoherence: And the Quantum-To-Classical Transition” by Schlosshauer introduces and explains this concept in a very elegant way, that balances math and physical pictures. It is the best book that I have read on decoherence so far.

We submitted a manuscript titled “optical properties of laser-dressed matter”. In it, we introduce a generalized theory for the optical properties of matter driven far from equilibrium by light (i.e. laser-dressed matter), and use it to reveal some striking phenomena of the optical absorption properties of semiconductors driven by non-resonant light. Check it out! 

My work on quantum dynamics, decoherence and non-equilibrium properties of molecules and nanoscale materials is recognized by ACS as the PHYS Young Investigator Award. Thank Ignacio and Sonya for their letters, and the ACS PHYS committee for their efforts and time!

http://www.sas.rochester.edu/chm/news-events/news/2018-06-18-gu-acs-phys-award.html

The book ” Molecular Excitation Dynamics and Relaxation” by Valkunas, Abramavicius and Mancal gives an excellent introduction to electronic excitations in molecular systems and associated optical phenomena.