Advanced Topics on Condensed Matter Physics-20151203-Some applications of first-principles calculations in Earth science

凝態物理專題演講

Advanced Topics on Condensed Matter Physics

Department of Physics, NCU

 

Some applications of first-principles calculations in Earth science

 

Speaker

Prof. Han Hsu (徐翰)

Dept. of Physics, NCU

 

Date  2015.12.3 (Thur)

Time  14:00

Place  S4-625

 

Abstract: Electronic structure calculations based on density functional theory (DFT), also known as first-principles calculations, have brought tremendous impact in many scientific disciplines, including physics, chemistry, materials science, and electronic engineering. Not as widely known, first-principles calculations have also played a significant role in Earth science, as materials properties under extreme conditions (high pressure and high temperature) can be accurately computed, while these conditions are difficult to achieve in laboratory. In this talk, I will present our recent work on iron-bearing magnesium silicates and carbonates. The former, (Mg,Fe)SiO3 perovskite and post-perovskite, are the major constituent of the Earth’s lower mantle and directly affect the physical and seismic properties of the lower mantle. The latter, (Mg,Fe)CO3 ferromagnesite and post-magnesite, are believed to be the major carbon carriers in the Earth’s lower mantle and may play a crucial role in the Earth’s deep carbon cycle.