Bruce J. Berne | Searcharxiv

arXiv2011

Theory and simulations of quantum glass forming liquids

A comprehensive microscopic dynamical theory is presented for the description of quantum fluids as they transform into glasses. The theory is based on a quantum extension of mode-coupling theory. Novel effects are predicted, such as reentrant behavior of dynamical relaxation times. These predictions are supported by path integral ring polymer molecular dynamics simulations. The simulations provide detailed insight into the factors that govern slow dynamics in glassy quantum fluids. Connection to other recent work on both quantum glasses as well as quantum optimization problems is presented.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv1997

Electrostatic potentials and free energies of solvation of polar and charged molecules

Theories of solvation free energies often involve electrostatic potentials at the position of a solute charge. Simulation calculations that apply cutoffs and periodic boundary conditions based on molecular centers result in center-dependent contributions to electrostatic energies due to a systematic sorting of charges in radial shells. This sorting of charges induces a surface-charge density at the cutoff sphere or simulation-box boundary that depends on the choice of molecular centers. We identify a simple solution that gives correct, center-independent results, namely the radial integration of charge densities. Our conclusions are illustrated for a Lennard-Jones solute in water. The present results can affect the parameterization of force fields.

physics.chem-ph↗