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A topological approach to electron correlation in density-functional theories

Objective

Density-functional theory (DFT) is the most widely used method to study the electronic structure of complex molecules, solids, and materials. Its use across chemistry, solid-state physics and materials science is a testament to its black-box nature and low cost. However, many important areas remain inaccessible to DFT simulations, including applications to strongly correlated materials and systems in electromagnetic fields. The topDFT project will deliver new conceptual approaches to design the next generation of density-functional methods. This will be achieved by pursuing three parallel strategies: i) Developing new strategies for the design of functionals ii) Implementing topological DFT, a new computational framework iii) Developing extended density-functional theories.

A new approach to the exchange–correlation problem, based on a perspective from the kinetic energy of the electrons, will be developed – leading to new practical density-functional approximations (DFAs). A new framework for computation will be developed by combining techniques from topological electronic structure methods with DFT, allowing for the identification of correlation ‘hotspots’. This idea is chemically intuitive; electrons close together interact in a fundamentally different way to those far apart. Recognising these hotspots, and adapting dynamically to them, will lead to new DFAs with substantially greater accuracy.

Extended-DFTs will open the way to study strongly correlated systems (e.g. high-Tc superconductors, transition metal oxides, Mott insulators) of importance in chemistry and materials science and magnetic systems (e.g. molecular magnets, spin glasses, spin frustrated systems) of importance in nano-science, advanced materials and spintronics applications. The topDFT project will have wide impact on areas including chemical synthesis, materials design and nano-science that underpin key areas such as manufacturing and medicine of benefit to all sections of society.

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Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

ERC-COG - Consolidator Grant

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) ERC-2017-COG

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Host institution

THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 1 998 649,00
Address
University Park
NG7 2RD Nottingham
United Kingdom

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Region
East Midlands (England) Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Nottingham
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 1 998 649,00

Beneficiaries (1)

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