Research

Research areas of interests:

The research thrusts of the Quantum Transport and Quantum Thermodynamics Group (QT2) are in the following broad areas of condensed matter and statistical physics:

• Quantum (electron, phonon, photon, spin) transport in molecular junctions and topological materials

• Quantum devices such as quantum pumps, quantum engines, and quantum motors

• Phase transitions in classical and quantum equilibrium and nonequilibrium systems

Research group mission and vision:

The group was established in 2015 when I joined the Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Physics at the University of the Philippines Los Baños. The group's goals are:

• to regularly publish high-quality research output in quantum thermodynamics, nonequilibrium systems, critical phenomena, and the theory of quantum devices,

• to produce graduates with a strong background in physics and highly motivated to do research in theoretical condensed matter and statistical physics,

• to establish a vibrant, competitive but pleasant, and supportive environment to do research. 

Honor code of the group:

• Group members respect each other. Arrogant behavior hinders the free flow of ideas among the members of the group and is, therefore, not tolerated.

• Group members never take advantage of one another. Opportunistic behavior lowers the morale of the group and is strictly discouraged.

• Group members give credit to where credit is due. Members do not steal ideas and do not claim accomplishments for work that they did not do.

• Group members are expected to work hard. Even the most talented person can benefit from working hard.

Theoretical tools:

We use the Nonequilibrium Green's Functions (NEGF) method as the main tool in determining the dynamics and properties of nonequilibrium quantum systems. We also use exact diagonalization, when applicable, and the renormalization group, when applicable.

Computational tools:

We use any algorithm and computational tools, including parallelization, necessary to effectively and efficiently solve problems in physics. Computers are used to simulate equilibrium and nonequilibrium classical and quantum systems, to numerically calculate integrals and the solutions to differential equations, integro-differential equations, and linear problems, and to find approximate solutions using iterative methods.

Upcoming presentations:

Recently concluded presentations:

• J.S. Espina, D.P.C. Dasallas, and E.C. Cuansing, "Effects of next-nearest-neighbor (nnn) and next-next-nearest-neighbor (nnnn) hoping in the band structure and topological properties of the Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model", 16th UPLB-CAS Student-Faculty Research Conference, 4 December 2023.

• E.C. Cuansing, "Site-diluted Ising Model in two dimensions", 15th UPLB-CAS Student-Faculty Research Conference, 28 November 2022 (Best Oral Presentation Award).

• D.P.C. Dasallas and E.C. Cuansing, "Extensions to the Su-Schrieffer-Heeger Model: Ribbons and their topological properties", 15th UPLB-CAS Student-Faculty Research Conference, 28 November 2022.

• L.P.M. Vargas and E.C. Cuansing, "Critical properties of the three-dimensional site-diluted Ising Model", 15th UPLB-CAS Student-Faculty Research Conference, 28 November 2022.

• E.C. Cuansing, "Critical properties of site-diluted Ising Model on a square lattice", 40th Samahang Pisika ng Pilipinas Physics Conference, 19 to 21 October 2022.

• D.P.C. Dasallas and E.C. Cuansing, "Extensions to the Su-Schrieffer-Heeger Model: Ribbons and their topological properties", 40th Samahang Pisika ng Pilipinas Physics Conference, 19 to 21 October 2022.

Group members:

• Graduate Students (MS Physics):

  • Juan Rafael K. Bautista (Topic: Phonon transport in nanojunctions)

  • Dyn Paulo C. Dasallas (Topic: Transport in the Su-Schrieffer-Heeger Model)

  • Christine Mei Alyssa R. Guiyab (Topic: Quantum Ising model)

  • Laurence Paul M. Vargas

• Undergraduate Students (BS Applied Physics):

  • Christopher D. Tuazon (Topic: Langevin dynamics)

  • Val B. Samuya (Topic: Phase transitions and critical phenomena)

  • Daneca G. Barbadillo 

Graduates:

• • Jerome S. Espina (BS Applied Physics, 2024; Thesis: Long-range interactions in the Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model)

  • Laurence Paul M. Vargas (BS Applied Physics, 2023; Thesis: Site-diluted Ising model in three dimensions)

  • Dyn Paulo C. Dasallas (BS Applied Physics, 2022; Thesis: Extensions to the Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model: Ribbons and their topological properties)

  • Mark Andrew D. Navarro (BS Applied Physics, 2021; Thesis: Critical properties of the site-diluted Ising model in two dimensions)

  • Vincent Rhey L. Accad (BS Applied Physics, 2018; Thesis: Critical properties of a binary magnetic alloy)

  • Jordan Daniel B. Angulo (BS Applied Physics, 2018; Thesis: Thermodynamic properties of bilayer graphene using molecular dynamics) 

  • Juan Rafael K. Bautista (BS Applied Physics, 2018; Thesis: Quantization of the one-dimensional underdamped harmonic oscillator using a nonconservative potential approach)