arXiv subjects

Arnaud Leclerc

Publications and source records attributed to Arnaud Leclerc.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2025

A complex Gaussian representation of continuum wavefunctions respectful of their asymptotic behaviour

Complex Gaussian basis sets are optimized to accurately represent continuum radial wavefunctions over the whole space. First, attention is put on the technical ability of the optimization method to get more flexible series of Gaussian exponents, in order to improve the accuracy of the fitting approach. Second, an indirect fitting method is proposed, allowing for the oscillatory behaviour of continuum functions to be conserved up to infinity as a factorized asymptotic function, while the Gaussian representation is applied to some appropriately defined distortion factor with limited spatial extension. As an illustration, the method is applied to radial Coulomb functions with realistic energy parameters. We also show that the indirect fitting approach keeps the advantageous analytical structure of typical one-electron transition integrals occurring in molecular ionization applications.

physics.chem-ph↗

arXiv2024

On the use of complex GTOs for the evaluation of radial integrals involving oscillating functions

We study two classes of radial integrals involving a product of bound and continuum one-electron states. Using a representation of the continuum part with an expansion on complex Gaussian Type Orbitals, such integrals can be performed analytically. We investigate the reliability of this scheme for low-energy physical parameters. This study serves as a premise in view of potential applications in molecular scattering processes.

physics.chem-ph↗

arXiv2024

Calculation of electron-impact and photo-ionization cross sections of methane using analytical Gaussian integrals

The ionization by photon or electron impact of the inner (2a1) and outer (1t2) valence orbitals of the CH4 molecule is investigated theoretically. In spite of a number of approximations, including a monocentric approach and a rather simple distorting molecular potential, the calculated cross sections are overall similar to those of other theoretical methods, and in reasonable agreement with experimental data. The originality of the present approach stands in the way we evaluate the transition matrix elements. The key ingredient of the calculation scheme is that the continuum radial wave function of the ejected electron is represented by a finite sum of complex Gaussian type orbitals. This numerically expensive optimization task is then largely compensated by rather simple and rapid analytical calculations of the necessary integrals, and thus all ionization observables, including cross section angular distributions. The proposed and implemented Gaussian approach is proved to be numerically very reliable in all considered kinematical situations with ejected electrons up to 2.7 a.u.. The analytical formulation of the scheme is provided here for bound molecular states described by monocentric Slater type orbitals; however, Gaussian type orbitals may be equally be employed. In combination with complex Gaussian functions for the continuum states, an all Gaussian approach with multicentric bound states can be envisaged.

physics.chem-ph↗

arXiv2022

Consistency between adiabatic and nonadiabatic geometric phases for nonselfadjoint hamiltonians

We show that the adiabatic approximation for nonselfadjoint hamiltonians seems to induce two non-equal expressions for the geometric phase. The first one is related to the spectral projector involved in the adiabatic theorem, the other one is the adiabatic limit of the nonadiabatic geometric phase. This apparent inconsistency is resolved by observing that the difference between the two expressions is compensated by a small deviation in the dynamical phases.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2021

A complex Gaussian approach to molecular photoionization

We develop and implement a Gaussian approach to calculate partial cross-sections and asymmetry parameters for molecular photoionization. Optimal sets of complex Gaussian-type orbitals (cGTOs) are first obtained by non-linear optimization, to best fit sets of Coulomb or distorted continuum wave functions for relevant orbital quantum numbers. This allows us to represent the radial wavefunction for the outgoing electron with accurate cGTO expansions. Within a time-independent partial wave approach, we show that all the necessary transition integrals become analytical, in both length and velocity gauges, thus facilitating the numerical evaluation of photoionization observables. Illustrative results, presented for NH3 and H2O within a one-active-electron monocentric model, validate numerically the proposed strategy based on a complex Gaussian representation of continuum states.

physics.chem-ph↗

arXiv2021

Multicenter integrals involving complex Gaussian type functions

Multicentric integrals that involve a continuum state cannot be evaluated with the usual quantum chemistry tools and require a special treatment. We consider an initial molecular bound state described by multicenter spherical or cartesian Gaussian functions. An electron ejected through an ionization process will be described by an oscillating continuum wavefunction that enters the matrix element necessary for cross section calculations. Within a monocentric approach, we have recently shown how such integrals can be evaluated analytically by using a representation of the continuum state by a set of complex Gaussian functions. In this work we tackle the multicentric situation. The method, developed in either spherical or cartesian coordinates, and validated by numerical tests, makes use of existing mathematical tools extended to the complex plane.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2020

Fitting continuum wavefunctions with complex Gaussians: Computation of ionization cross sections

We implement a full nonlinear optimization method to fit continuum states with complex Gaussians. The application to a set of regular scattering Coulomb functions allows us to validate the numerical feasibility, to explore the range of convergence of the approach, and to demonstrate the relative superiority of complex over real Gaussian expansions. We then consider the photoionization of atomic hydrogen, and ionization by electron impact in the first Born approximation, for which the closed form cross sections serve as a solid benchmark. Using the proposed complex Gaussian representation of the continuum combined with a real Gaussian expansion for the initial bound state, all necessary matrix elements within a partial wave approach become analytical. The successful numerical comparison illustrates that the proposed all-Gaussian approach works efficiently for ionization processes of one-center targets.

physics.comp-ph↗

arXiv2020

Calculating eigenvalues and eigenvectors of parameter-dependent hamiltonians using an adaptative wave operator method

We propose a wave operator method to calculate eigenvalues and eigenvectors of large parameter-dependent matrices, using an adaptative active subspace. We consider a hamiltonian which depends on external adjustable or adiabatic parameters, using adaptative projectors which follow the successive eigenspaces when the adjustable parameters are modified. The method can also handle non-hermitian hamiltonians. An iterative algorithm is derived and tested through comparisons with a standard wave operator algorithm using a fixed active space and with a standard block-Davidson method. The proposed approach is competitive, it converges within a few dozen iterations at constant memory cost. We first illustrate the abilities of the method on a 4-D coupled oscillator model hamiltonian. A more realistic application to molecular photodissociation under intense laser fields with varying intensity or frequency is also presented. Maps of photodissociation resonances of H${}_2^+$ in the vicinity of exceptional points are calculated as an illustrative example.

physics.comp-ph↗

arXiv2017

Exotic states in the strong field control of H$_2^+$ dissociation dynamics: From exceptional points to zero-width resonances

H$_2^+$ is an ideal candidate for a detailed study of strong field coherent control strategies inspired by basic mechanisms referring to some specific photodissociation resonances. Two of them are considered in this work, namely: Zero-width resonances (ZWR) on one hand, and coalescing pairs of resonances at exceptional points (EP) on the other hand. An adiabatic transport theory based on Floquet Hamiltonian formalism is developed within the challenging context of multiphoton dynamics involving nuclear continua. It is shown that a rigorous treatment is only possible for ZWRs, whereas adiabatic transport mediated by EPs is subjected to restrictions. Numerical maps of resonance widths and non-adiabatic couplings in the laser parameter plane help in optimally shaping control pulses. Full time-dependent wavepacket dynamics shows the possibility of selective, robust filtration and vibrational population transfers, within experimental feasibility criteria.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2016

Comparison of different eigensolvers for calculating vibrational spectra using low-rank, sum-of-product basis functions

Vibrational spectra and wavefunctions of polyatomic molecules can be calculated at low memory cost using low-rank sum-of-product (SOP) decompositions to represent basis functions generated using an iterative eigensolver. Using a SOP tensor format does not determine the iterative eigensolver. The choice of the interative eigensolver is limited by the need to restrict the rank of the SOP basis functions at every stage of the calculation. We have adapted, implemented and compared different reduced-rank algorithms based on standard iterative methods (block-Davidson algorithm, Chebyshev iteration) to calculate vibrational energy levels and wavefunctions of the 12-dimensional acetonitrile molecule. The effect of using low-rank SOP basis functions on the different methods is analyzed and the numerical results are compared with those obtained with the reduced rank block power method introduced in J. Chem. Phys. 140, 174111 (2014). Relative merits of the different algorithms are presented, showing that the advantage of using a more sophisticated method, although mitigated by the use of reduced-rank sum-of-product functions, is noticeable in terms of CPU time.

physics.chem-ph↗

arXiv2016

Controlling vibrational cooling with Zero-Width Resonances: An adiabatic Floquet approach

In molecular photodissociation, some specific combinations of laser parameters (wavelength and intensity) lead to unexpected Zero-Width Resonances (ZWR), with in principle infinite lifetimes. Their interest in inducing basic quenching mechanisms have recently been devised in the laser control of vibrational cooling through filtration strategies [O. Atabek et al., Phys. Rev. A87, 031403(R) (2013)]. A full quantum adiabatic control theory based on the adiabatic Floquet Hamiltonian is developed to show how a laser pulse could be envelop-shaped and frequency-chirped so as to protect a given initial vibrational state against dissociation, taking advantage from its continuous transport on the corresponding ZWR, all along the pulse duration. As compared with previous control scenarios actually suffering from non-adiabatic contamination, drastically different and much more efficient filtration goals are achieved. A semiclassical analysis helps in finding and interpreting a complete map of ZWRs in the laser parameter plane. In addition, the choice of a given ZWR path, among the complete series identified by the semiclassical approach, amounts to be crucial for the cooling scheme, targeting a single vibrational state population left at the end of the pulse, while all others have almost completely decayed. The illustrative example, offering the potentiality to be transposed to other diatomics, is Na2 prepared by photoassociation in vibrationally hot but translationally and rotationally cold states.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2016

Global integration of the Schrödinger equation within the wave operator formalism: The role of the effective Hamiltonian in multidimensional active spaces

A global solution of the Schrödinger equation, obtained recently within the wave operator formalism for explicitly time-dependent Hamiltonians [J. Phys. A: Math. Theor. 48, 225205 (2015)], is generalized to take into account the case of multidimensional active spaces. An iterative algorithm is derived to obtain the Fourier series of the evolution operator issuing from a given multidimensional active subspace and then the effective Hamiltonian corresponding to the model space is computed and analysed as a measure of the cyclic character of the dynamics. Studies of the laser controlled dynamics of diatomic models clearly show that a multidimensional active space is required if the wavefunction escapes too far from the initial subspace. A suitable choice of the multidimensional active space, including the initial and target states, increases the cyclic character and avoids divergences occuring when one-dimensional active spaces are used. The method is also proven to be efficient in describing dissipative processes such as photodissociation.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2016

Using symmetry-adapted optimized sum-of-products basis functions to calculate vibrational spectra

Vibrational spectra can be computed without storing full-dimensional vectors by using low-rank sum-of-products (SOP) basis functions. We introduce symmetry constraints in the SOP basis functions to make it possible to separately calculate states in different symmetry subgroups. This is done using a power method to compute eigenvalues and an alternating least squares method to optimize basis functions. Owing to the fact that the power method favours the convergence of the lowest states, one must be careful not to exclude basis functions of some symmetries. Exploiting symmetry facilitates making assignments and improves the accuracy. The method is applied to the acetonitrile molecule.

physics.chem-ph↗

arXiv2015

Global integration of the Schrödinger equation: a short iterative scheme within the wave operator formalism using discrete Fourier transforms

A global solution of the Schrödinger equation for explicitly time-dependent Hamiltonians is derived by integrating the non-linear differential equation associated with the time-dependent wave operator. A fast iterative solution method is proposed in which, however, numerous integrals over time have to be evaluated. This internal work is done using a numerical integrator based on Fast Fourier Transforms (FFT). The case of a transition between two potential wells of a model molecule driven by intense laser pulses is used as an illustrative example. This application reveals some interesting features of the integration technique. Each iteration provides a global approximate solution on grid points regularly distributed over the full time propagation interval. Inside the convergence radius, the complete integration is competitive with standard algorithms, especially when high accuracy is required.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2014

Calculating vibrational spectra with sum of product basis functions without storing full-dimensional vectors or matrices

We propose an iterative method for computing vibrational spectra that significantly reduces the memory cost of calculations. It uses a direct product primitive basis, but does not require storing vectors with as many components as there are product basis functions. Wavefunctions are represented in a basis each of whose functions is a sum of products (SOP) and the factorizable structure of the Hamiltonian is exploited. If the factors of the SOP basis functions are properly chosen, wavefunctions are linear combinations of a small number of SOP basis functions. The SOP basis functions are generated using a shifted block power method. The factors are refined with a rank reduction algorithm to cap the number of terms in a SOP basis function. The ideas are tested on a 20-D model Hamiltonian and a realistic CH$_3$CN (12 dimensional) potential. For the 20-D problem, to use a standard direct product iterative approach one would need to store vectors with about $10^{20}$ components and would hence require about $8 \times 10^{11}$ GB. With the approach of this paper only 1 GB of memory is necessary. Results for CH$_3$CN agree well with those of a previous calculation on the same potential.

physics.comp-ph↗

arXiv2013

Discussion of the adiabatic hypothesis in control schemes using exceptional points

We present calculations for the action of laser pulses on vibrational transfer within the H2+ and Na2 molecules in the presence of dissipation due to photodissociation of the molecule. The laser fields perform closed loops surrounding exceptional points in the laser parameter plane of intensity and wavelength. In principle the process should produce controlled vibrational transfers due to an adiabatic flip of the dressed eigenstates. We directly solve the Schrödinger equation with the complete time-dependent field instead of using the adiabatic Floquet formalism which initially suggested the design of the laser pulses. Results given by wavepacket propagations disagree with predictions obtained using the adiabatic hypothesis. Thus we show that there are large non-adiabatic exchanges and that the dissipative character of the dynamics renders the adiabatic flip very difficult to obtain. Using much longer durations than expected from previous studies, the adiabatic flip is only obtained for the Na2 molecule and with strong dissociation.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2012

The role of the geometric phases in adiabatic populations tracking for non-hermitian hamiltonians

We show that the definition of instantaneous eigenstate populations for a dynamical non-self-adjoint system is not obvious. The naive direct extension of the definition used for the self-adjoint case leads to inconsistencies; the resulting artifacts can induce a false inversion of population or a false adiabaticity. We show that the inconsistency can be avoided by introducing geometric phases in another possible definition of populations. An example is given which demonstrates both the anomalous effects and their removal by our approach.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2012

Constrained Adiabatic Trajectory Method (CATM): a global integrator for explicitly time-dependent Hamiltonians

The Constrained Adiabatic Trajectory Method (CATM) is reexamined as an integrator for the Schrödinger equation. An initial discussion places the CATM in the context of the different integrators used in the literature for time-independent or explicitly time-dependent Hamiltonians. The emphasis is put on adiabatic processes and within this adiabatic framework the interdependence between the CATM, the wave operator, the Floquet and the (t,t') theories is presented in detail. Two points are then more particularly analysed and illustrated by a numerical calculation describing the $H_2^+$ ion submitted to a laser pulse. The first point is the ability of the CATM to dilate the Hamiltonian spectrum and thus to make the perturbative treatment of the equations defining the wave function possible, possibly by using a Krylov subspace approach as a complement. The second point is the ability of the CATM to handle extremely complex time-dependencies, such as those which appear when interaction representations are used to integrate the system.

quant-ph↗