Welcome to AURUM: Ab initio Simulations and Research on Ultrafast Materials

Our research revolves around computer simulations of materials and their properties from first principles: solving the fundamental equations of physics to understand and predict the behaviour of matter without relying on any empirical parameter. This approach is pivotal in developing materials for energy harvesting, such as advanced solar cells and thermoelectric devices, which are crucial in converting wasted heat into electric energy, as well as exploring the realms of high temperature superconductivity. Additionally, we delve into the ultrafast dynamics of nuclei and electrons in the femtosecond scale, fundamental to understand and improve the light-electricity conversion operated by next generation materials or ultrafast switches for quantum computing. Our studies also tackle the complex thermodynamical characterization of phase diagrams and second-order phase transitions in challenging systems, like materials under extreme pressure found in the nuclei of planets. We are also at the forefront of research in integrating artificial intelligence into material design stands at the forefront of our innovative strategies, aiming to revolutionize how materials are conceptualized and created.

Thesis Proposals

Unlock the Secrets of the Universe: Begin Your Quantum Adventure Today. This section highlight possible topics for a thesis. On each of this topic we offer thesis to all levels, from bachelor (undergraduate - tesi triennale), to master and even PhD thesis. Indeed, the thesis nees to be tailored to the skills, talent, affinity and interest of each student. Contact us to discuss possible proposals.

A laser beam shocking a lattice of atoms

Simulating the ultrafast dynamics of atoms in pump-probe experiments.

The quantum dynamics of nuclei are crucial in defining material properties. Exposure to intense light can induce exotic behavior in certain materials, enabling transitions to phases that are otherwise unattainable under normal conditions. This phenomenon opens up avenues to manipulate states of matter previously deemed impossible.

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A complex correlated wavefunction is transformed in a non correlated one thanks to a neural network

Modelling the electron-ion wavefunction with a Neural Network

The numerical solution of the many-body Schroedinger equation is a formidable task, due to the exponential scaling of the Hilbert space with the number of particles. The mostly used approach to approximate the solution is the mean-field, where the electron wave-function is a single slater determinant. However, this approach fails in systems where electrons localizes, like in isolated atoms or strongly correlated materials, which are at the origin of nonconventional superconductivity. This thesis aims to introduce a new way to solve the correlated Schroedinger equation using a neural network to describe the electronic correlation. The new method will be applied to the study of the electronic properties of strongly correlated materials and for non-adiabatic electron-phonon coupling.

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Meissner effect and the electron-phonon Feynman diagram

Nonadiabatic electron-phonon interactions: a deep dive into high temperature superconductors

The discovery of unconventional superconductivity marked a significant advancement in condensed matter physics. High temperature superconductors (HTS), which can operate at temperatures above the boiling point of liquid nitrogen, were first identified in 1986, but the detailed mechanisms behind their superconductivity remain unresolved. A key challenge is understanding the role of phonons in systems where the Fermi velocity is similar to the speed of sound, leading to nonadiabatic electron-phonon interactions. This causes the standard Migdal-Eliashberg theory to fail.
The aim of the new theory is to develop a framework for describing these nonadiabatic interactions in HTS, using a nonperturbative diagrammatic approach based on Green's function formalism.

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An AI generated by an AI

The minimal maximum entropy: a new approach for generative artificial intelligence

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is a rapidly growing field of research, with applications ranging from image generation to drug discovery. However, the current state-of-the-art generative AI models are based on deep neural networks, which are computationally expensive and require large datasets, while prone to overfitting, with critical concerns on accidental copyright violation of the generated content.
We propose a new approach to generative AI, based on the minimal maximum entropy principle, a theory recently introduce by our group. This thesis aims to develop a new generative AI models based on this theory and benchmark it against the current state-of-the-art.

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Tesi Triennali

A neural network force-field

Modellizzare attraverso reti neurali le proprietà microscopiche dei materiali

Le simulazioni numeriche sono fondamentali per identificare i materiali sintetizzabili e dalle caratteristiche interessanti, come ad esempio per la produzione di energia da fonti rinnovabili. Tuttavia, l'analisi numerica dei materiali richiede la risoluzione delle equazioni della meccanica quantistica in sistemi contenenti migliaia di nuclei e elettroni interagenti, compito dal costo di grosso impatto energetico e economico.
La rivoluzione dell'inteligenza artificiale ci viene in aiuto nel velocizzare le simulazioni, rimpiazzando la risoluzione numerica dell'equazione di Schroedinger.

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Web apps

Poisson equation solver

Poisson Equation Solver

Interactively evaluate the electrostatic potential of a set of conductors.

Contacts

We are located at the Physics Department of the University of Rome, Sapienza.
Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma RM, Italy
Edificio Marconi, 2nd floor, room 208

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