CECAM - Ab initio simulations in photochemistry: bringing together nonadiabatic dynamics and electronic structure theory Ab initio simulations in photochemistry: bringing together nonadiabatic dynamics and electronic structure theory

This workshop will address the challenge of simulating realistic photoactivated processes of interest in biology and materials science [1,2,3]. These phenomena usually involve non-adiabatic transitions among the electronic states of the system induced by the coupled motion of electronic and nuclear degrees of freedom. Consequently, their simulation requires both accurate ab initio calculations of the (many) electronic states of the system and of the couplings among them and the non-adiabatic time evolution of its components. Although several approaches have been developed recently to tackle these problems [4,5,6,7,8], the techniques currently available are generally either not efficient or not accurate enough to provide a reliable tool to study photophysical processes in complex systems (see proposal for further details). The workshop will bring together experts from the fields of ab initio quantum chemistry and non-adiabatic dynamics calculations to provide an opportunity for the two communities to join forces and accelerate progress towards reliable theoretical studies of photoactivated phenomena. Current approaches to non-adiabatic ab initio molecular dynamics will be examined and compared to assess their strengths and weaknesses. Novel approaches will also be presented and their potential with respect to realistic applications assessed, both in terms of accuracy and efficiency.

Ab initio simulations in photochemistry: bringing together nonadiabatic dynamics and electronic structure theory

Location: CECAM 46 allée d'Italie 69007 Lyon France

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