Event
MSE Seminar: Structural and Electronic Phenomena in Crystals
Friday, November 12, 2021
1:00 p.m.
2110 CHE
Sherri Tatum
statum12@umd.edu
https://mse.umd.edu/seminar-series
Speaker: Turon Birol, Assistant Professor, Chemical Engineering & Materials Science,
University of Minnesota
Title: Structural and Electronic Phenomena in Crystals: First Principles Calculations and Materials Design
Abstract:
First principles computational methods provide a reliable means to both reproduce and predict the properties of crystalline materials. These approaches can also be used to perform thought experiments to elucidate the microscopic mechanisms of macroscopic phenomena, build structure-property relationships, and design new materials with desired properties. In this talk, Dr. Birol is going to present results from his recent work on a wide range of emergent phenomena including charge density wave transitions, metallic "ferroelectricity," and transparent correlated metals. He will also discuss the capabilities and shortcomings of three theoretical tools we use most often: Density Functional Theory (DFT), which is the workhorse of first principles calculations of crystalline materials; Dynamical Mean Field Theory (DMFT), which has recently emerged as a means to perform correlated materials design; and group and representation theories, which provide a systematic way to approach the symmetry related properties of materials.
Bio:
Turan Birol received his BS and PhD in Physics from the Middle East Technical University and Cornell University respectively. Prior to joining the University of Minnesota department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science as an assistant professor in 2016, he was a postdoctoral associate in Rutgers University condensed matter theory group. He has recently received the National Science Foundation CAREER award, the Office of Naval Research young investigator award, and the University of Minnesota McKnight Land-Grant Professorship. Birol's research interests lie on the intersection of materials science, condensed matter physics, and physical chemistry; and his research program aims to elucidate the connection and couplings between the crystal structure and electronic properties of quantum materials.
