Objective "The development of ultrafast experimental techniques with femtosecond time resolution is driving the need for deeper theoretical understanding of how intense optical excitation can alter the interatomic forces, drive atomic motion and effect structural changes in materials. The main objective of this project is to extend the scope of electronic structure computational methods, allowing us to quantitatively simulate (without phenomenological parameters) the coupled electronic and atomic dynamics in highly photoexcited materials on a picosecond and sub-picosecond timescale. We will use these new methods to calculate the transfer of energy from electronic states to the lattice vibrations in photoexcited GaAs and to follow the redistribution of vibrational energy through to its ultimate thermalisation in the lattice. We will compare our predictions of electronic distributions and vibrational motion with those measured by our collaborators, using time-resolved photoemission and x-ray diffraction, allowing us to benchmark the effectiveness of our theoretical approach. The understanding of energy relaxation and transfer following optical excitation underpins a variety of technologically important processes: e.g. the ultrafast response of optically active components in high-speed telecommunications and, in the field of renewable energy, the initial stages of photocatalysis or optical absorption in solar cells. To support advances in these areas, it is important to develop predictive methods for modelling the behaviour of optically excited materials at an atomic level on very short time scales. In delivering these predictive methods and by the virtue of the applicant's expertise in electronic structure theory and the emerging field of ultrafast electron and phonon dynamics, this project will enhance EU scientific excellence and competitiveness." Fields of science natural scienceschemical sciencescatalysisphotocatalysisengineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringenergy and fuelsrenewable energynatural sciencesphysical sciencesatomic physicsnatural sciencescomputer and information sciencescomputational scienceengineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringinformation engineeringtelecommunications Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IIF - Marie Curie Action: "International Incoming Fellowships" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IIF See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IIF - International Incoming Fellowships (IIF) Coordinator UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK - NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, CORK EU contribution € 183 504,60 Address WESTERN ROAD T12 YN60 Cork Ireland See on map Region Ireland Southern South-East Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Conor Delaney (Mr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data
