Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics

Division of Materials Sciences and Engineering




The Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics activity provides theoretical support for all parts of the Materials Science and Engineering Division. Research areas are broadly defined but include themes in correlated electrons, low dimensional systems, nanostructures and theory of the experiment. 

The advent of new materials research areas and new enabling technology requires new theoretical frameworks as well as a re-examination of old theories.   A very important contribution of the theorist is enforcing a rational, consistent understanding of experimental observations so that we can go forward. Most of the time, this means working out the implications of a theory for a specific material or situation. In materials, this can be an extremely difficult task because of the very many atoms involved. Many conceptual tools such as quasiparticles or phenomena at different length scales have been developed and must continue to be developed. This continues to be a very important aspect of this theoretical program. However, many phenomena now being studied involve large scale computation to perform complex calculations or simulations of many interacting components. The rapid advance in computational capabilities enables research at an unprecedented level of sophistication such that computational science has become a "third way of doing science".  But at a price: the complexity of such research requires larger groups of collaborating researchers from a diversity of disciplines.  A significant effort within the portfolio is the development of advanced computer algorithms and fast codes to treat many-particle systems.  A collaboration facilitating component is the Computational Materials Science Network (CMSN), which enables groups of scientists assembled from DOE laboratories, universities, and  industry to address materials problems requiring larger-scale collaboration across disciplinary and organizational boundaries.

In 2003, the Basic Energy Sciences Advisory Committee (BESAC) considered Theory and Computation in Basic Energy Sciences (http://www.sc.doe.gov/bes/reports/files/OD_rpt.pdf) .  The report called out areas of opportunity which have recently been incorporated into the BES program: 

  • Nanoscience
  • Biomimetic materials and energy processes
  • Correlated electrons in solids
  • Excited electronic states
  • Control of energy, matter, and information at the quantum level
  • Ultrafast physics and chemistry
  • Defects in solids
  • Magnetic spin systems and single-electron devices
  • Control of chemical transformations

A more complete summary of the TCMP program can be here.

NEW FUNDING OPPORTUNITY 

Multi-investigator Theory, Modeling and Simulation (TMS) Projects

Starting in FY09, Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics Program (TCMP) will allocate approximately $1.5 million annually for multi-investigator projects involving integrated Theory, Modeling and Simulation (TMS) efforts that are well integrated into the core program. The goal of this activity is to make significant advances in solving problems relevant to the TCMP program that could not be achieved through a single individual investigator award.

The TCMP program will fund Multi-investigator Research Teams (MRTs) with annual budgets from $450,000 to $750,000 for three-year projects. Partnerships among different universities and among universities and National Laboratories are encouraged. TMS awards will be competitively renewable in especially deserving cases.

Interested groups should submit a pre-application (white paper) in accord with the following guidelines:

  • What are the major scientific advances expected if your project is successful?
  • State clearly why a multi-investigator approach is required to solve this problem.
  • Identify the lead PI and members of your MRT, and describe clearly the role each team member will play in the project. Outline the methodologies to be deployed. Give an estimate of the total yearly budget.
  • Provide a one page CV for each of the key members of the MRT, listing in particular five relevant publications (include titles).

Pre-applications (exclusive of the CVs and the cover page) are limited to a maximum of 3 pages. Pre-applications must identify on the cover page for each Principal Investigator (PI), the institution, PI name, address, telephone and fax numbers, and email address.

DOE Laboratories can submit a maximum of two pre-applications.

The timeline for the TMS applications is as follows:

  • Pre-applications must be submitted electronically as a pdf attachment by sending an email to the address: SC TMS@science.doe.gov by November 1, 2008.
  • By December 1, 2008, review of pre-applications will be completed, and the successful PIs will be notified.
  • Formal applications must be submitted through grants.gov by 4:30 PM, ET, March 1, 2009, to be accepted for merit review and funding in Fiscal Year 2009.
  • Successful TMS projects will be announced by July 1, 2009. All awards are contingent upon the availability of funds and programmatic priorities.

For more information about this core research activity, please contact Dr. Jim Horwitz (Team Lead, Condensed Matter and Materials Physics) or Dr. Arun Bansil (Acting Program Manager, Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics).  Click here for information on other core research activities supported by BES.

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Last modification 08/27/2008