Molecular dynamics future perspectives

Analysis and control of ultrafast processes in atomic clusters in the size regime in which each atom counts are of particular importance from a conceptual point of view and for opening new perspectives for many applications in the future. Simultaneously, this research area calls for the challenging development of theoretical and computational methods from different directions, including quantum chemistry, molecular dynamics, and optimal control theory, removing borders between them. Moreover, it provides stimulation for new experiments. 

The future perspectives of this research area depend heavily on the application of CP-FTMW spectrometers, which have changed the scope of rotational spectroscopy in recent years. Chirped-pulse Fourier-transform microwave spectroscopy, combined with laser ablation, opens a new era in the investigation of isolated biomolecules, as can be shown by its application to carbohydrates as discussed in this chapter. The broad frequency and large dynamic range make it possible to extend the range of detectable conformers to less stable forms and to access structural determinations in molecular systems of increasingly larger sizes from measurements of heavy atom ( C, 0) isotopes detected in natural abun-... 

In the next section a brief layout of simulation methods will be given. Then, some basic properties of the models used in computer simulations of electrochemical interfaces on the molecular level will be discussed. In the following three large sections, the vast body of simulation results will be reviewed structure and dynamics of the water/metal interface, structure and dynamics of the electrolyte solution/metal interface, and microscopic models for electrode reactions will be analyzed on the basis of examples taken mostly from my own work. A brief account of work on the adsorption of organic molecules at interfaces and of liquid/liquid interfaces complements the material. In the final section, a brief summary together with perspectives on future work will be given. 

Abstract During the past decade the method of model core potential has undergone a period of dynamic development and applications, which ranged from atomic to protein-scale studies. Incorporation of the relativistic effects became the centre of the model core potential development and the accuracy and applicability of this method were greatly increased. A breakthrough on this front of research was the development of the model core potential that can account for the spin-orbit coupling effect. In the present chapter we review the theoretical foundations of the pseudopotential approach to the molecular electronic structure. We then provide an overview of the model core potential method as well as its development and applications in the first decade of this century. A perspective on the future of this method is also given. 

---