Study of liquid metals as a basis for nanoscience

Area of Science:

• Nanoscience
• Physics of disordered matter
• Quantum mechanics

Background:

• Nanoscience utilizes top-down and bottom-up approaches, traditionally divided between physics and chemistry.
• The physics of disordered matter, particularly liquid metals, offers a bottom-up perspective and theoretical tools like ab initio molecular dynamics (MD) simulations for nanoscience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present experimental studies on phenomena bridging quantum mechanics and classical non-equilibrium processes.
• To highlight the importance of understanding slow dynamics and phase transitions in liquids for nanoscience.

Main Methods:

• Experimental studies on phenomena originating from quantum mechanical properties.
• Utilizing theoretical tools such as ab initio molecular dynamics (MD) simulations.

Main Results:

• Observed slow dynamics associated with metal-nonmetal transitions in liquids.
• Investigated wetting and dewetting transitions in liquid semiconductors.

Conclusions:

• Experimental findings extend beyond the scope of current ab initio MD simulations.
• Further theoretical physics advancements are needed to stimulate progress in nanoscience.