This is the inaugural School on Quantum Crystallography at Erice. Quantum Crystallography refers to the combination of crystallographic information from diffraction or other scattering techniques with quantum mechanical theory. It is also an extension of quantum chemistry to periodic systems.

The School attempts to give a snapshot of this evolving field, complete with workshops demonstrating state-of-the art software. Topics will include: the beginnings of the Quantum Crystallography in the measurement of the electron charge or spin density; the Hohenberg-Kohn theorem and the importance of the X-ray diffraction experiment; multipole-based models for the charge density; polarizable-density models; momentum based experiments and orbital density expansions; joint refinement of charge, spin, and momentum density.

Registration is open (will close on 30 November 2017)

Topics

• Quantum Optics
• Spectroscopy
• Spin physics
• Transport
• Devices and applications
• Synthesis and growth

Dynamic crystallography based on synchrotron and X-ray free electron laser sources

Non-ambient crystallography

Experimental charge density studies expanding to quantum crystal charge in the near future

This workshop brings together experimentalists and theorists working on topological phases of matter and strongly spin-orbit coupled systems. Recent developments in this field include the experimental realization of topological semimetals, novel materials that may harbor topological superconductivity as well advances in the preparation of spin-orbit coupled two-dimensional electron gases. In particular it will cover the subjectsÂ

(1) Topological metals and insulatorsÂ
(2) Theory of interacting topological states of matterÂ
(3) Spin-orbit interaction and correlated electron systems
(4) Unconventional superconductivity

Mechanical Quantum Systems: From Fundamental Physics to Real World Applications

Beyond Standard Optomechanics: Exploring New Mechanical Interactions

Robert F. Stewart school on electron density and related properties

High resolution X-ray diffraction and polarized neutron diffraction are the most relevant methods for respectively modeling charge density and magnetic moment (spin) distributions. Combining both experimental methods in a joint refinement leads to a precise spin resolved electron distributions in magnetic materials.

The aim of this School is to teach all participants the basic knowledge about paired and unpaired electron density distributions using neutron and X-ray diffraction methods and to practice existing refinement software.

This school is dedicated to electron density and its analysis with the emphasis on the combination of complementary experimental methods to enrich the electron density models leading to more complete description of the electronic behavior of crystalline solids.

The school will end with a round table about application of topological analysis and electrostatic properties of a charge distribution in chemistry, biochemistry and physics. Also we will discuss the role of the spin density in material science and how to combine experimental and theoretical methods for a better electron density modeling.

Target Audience: The audience will be typically early career scientists e.g. assistant professors, post-doctoral research fellows, and graduate students of crystallography, medicinal chemistry, solid state and materials science, biochemistry, theoretical, quantum and computational chemistry.

The number of participants is limited to 50.

The bursaries application can be made for ECA and AFC

Preliminary List of Topics

The latest advances in methodology and applications of charge densities:

• advances in data analysis
• understanding dynamics of atoms and structures
• progress in using large scale facilities
• charge densities in crystal engineering
• charge densities in materials science
• charge densities and electron diffraction
• charge densities in life sciences
• charge densities at extreme conditions
• charge densities beyond single crystal approach
• physical applications of charge densities
• charge densities of inorganic materials and minerals
• compute or/and measure?
• charge densities towards classical structural analysis
• methods beyond charge densities

Focus Area Contacts

Focus Area 1: Michael Hennig, Basel for SIG 1:

Focus Area 2: Jürg Schefer, Paul Scherrer Institute Villigen, for SIG 5, 11, 12

Focus Area 3: Piero Macchi, Berne, for SIG 2, SIG 3, SIG 4

Focus Area 4: Katharina Fromm, Fribourg, for SIG 7 and SIG 13

Focus Area 5: Radovan Cerny, Geneva, for SIG 6, SIG 8 and SIG 9

Advances in Topological Phases of Matter in Crystalline Solids and Cold Atom Systems

The conference will be held 7-12 June in Santa Margherita di Pula (CA), Sardinia, Italy. The Sagamore XVIII will be focussed on:

• Advances in experimental probes for charge, spin and momentum densities
• Improved methods for improved densities
• Progress in DFT and theoretical methods for solids and related accuracy of properties of interest to Charge Spin and Momentum Density (CSMD)
  
• Topological Approaches: where we go
• CSMD at extreme conditions
• Charge and spin density analyses for Chemical and Crystal Engineering
• Functional materials: insight from charge, spin and momentum densities
• Dynamics: structure evolution and densities
• Nanoscale: structure, dynamics and densities - Electronic properties of nanomaterials
• CSMD in the life sciences (Understanding electronic and magnetic properties in bioactive
  compounds)
• What is the future of CSMD? (Round Table)