Professor
Condensed matter theory
Physics instruction
We have been exploring the Feynman path integral formulation of statistical mechanics. For a crystal that leads to a classical partition function, using the Peierls variational principle, with all quantum effects contained in an effective potential. This treatment makes it possible to use powerful, modern versions of simulations such as Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics to study both static and dynamical properties of quantum crystals. ferroelectrics, alkali halides and alkaline earth oxides, e.g. MgO, throughout the phase diagram. Much of this work is supported by the Illinois and San Diego supercomputer centers using their massively parallel machines such as the Thinking Machines' CM5 computer.
Revised September 28, 1995