A quantum of light for material science

Computer simulations that predict the light-induced change in the physical and chemical properties of complex systems, molecules, nanostructures and solids usually ignore the quantum nature of light. Scientists at the Max-Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter (MPSD), led by Professor Ángel Rubio of the UPV/EHU’s Department of Material Physics and Director of the Theory Department at the MPSD, have now shown how the effects of the photons can be properly included in such calculations.

This study opens up the possibility of predicting and controlling the change of material properties due to the interaction with photons from first principles.