A Quantum Matter

During her two years of postdoctoral studies at the University of Columbia, Dr. Tami Goldzak was hard at work developing methods for precise material computation. “We developed new methods that can predict the structure of nanometric and solid materials—mechanical and optical qualities—and not just those of single molecules,” she shares. “These methods predict the qualities of materials without having any prior knowledge of them, based on quantum mechanics. By simulating solving Schrödinger’s equation, we can create models that simulate an experiment and perform reaction or prose experiments on the computer, to see how the atoms and electrons behave. This field of research helps to understand processes that go misunderstood in field experiments, and aids with smarter, more efficient execution of experiments, and a more profound understanding of the atomic level, without having to actively perform them. We build models, see how electrons behave and plan the next experiment accordingly. As part of my research, I collaborated with experimentalists to calculate the characteristics of qubits based on chrome molecules and check whether we can change their optical properties by replacing different ligands. In other words: can we synthesize molecules in which chrome is the central atom and use that to change the wavelengths in which this molecule swallows the light? If it is possible, that means we can engineer the molecule’s optical properties by changing the molecules nearest to the atom molecule, and build qubits with different optical properties, which can greatly help with developing quantum sensors.”

Dr. Goldzak (40, married with three children) joined the Faculty of Engineering about a year ago. Two months after joining, she gave birth to her third son and went on maternity leave. She returned as the new academic year started. She is a theoretician and a computist, working at the intersection of electro-optics, nano-electronics, and a new program currently being formed at the Faculty of Engineering: The material engineering program. Dr. Goldzak also joined the nano center, where she opened the Quantum Computational Materials lab. In the spring semester, she will be teaching a new course for postgraduate students, titled The Electronic Structure of Matter and Molecules, designed for students who have completed basic courses in quantum mechanics.

Dr. Goldzak started her academic career at the Faculty of Material Engineering and Chemistry at the Technion. She acquired her PhD from the nano-technology institute and the Faculty of Chemistry at the Technion, under the supervision of Prof. Nimrod Musayev, and specialized in theoretical chemistry. “During my doctoral research, I studied non-hermitic quantum mechanics and focused on a process called intermolecular Coulombic decay in a nano-structure based on quantum wells. We planned a specific nano-structure used to detect light sources whenever interaction between the electrons increases. The structure is designed to very precisely detect the length of a specific wave that’s absorbed by the matter, and this could lead to developing a quantum light detector.”

After completing her PhD research, Dr. Goldzak went on to pursue a postdoctoral position at the Faculty of Chemistry at MIT, where she studied advanced computing methods of matter properties. “I spent two years there, and during that time we computed optical properties of nanometric matter called quantum dots. Using these simulations, we were able to understand what happens on the surface of these dots, and how their surface area can be altered to make their quantum qualities more efficient.” After MIT she continued to the University of Columbia, to expand her knowledge and understanding of computational chemistry and the optical qualities of nano-particles.

Dr. Goldzak continues to study nanometric, or two-dimensional materials that present interactions between light and matter. “My goal is to discover and develop new nanometric materials that will absorb and light more effectively; we can use these as a basis for new quantum technologies—for example, developing quantum detectors, solar technologies, and more,” she shares. “In the future, I want to join research of new materials in green energy and sustainability. I’m looking for students of all degrees to join my lab. They need to be motivated, preferably with a background in mathematics, physics, chemistry, computers, or material engineering.”

Sounds like something that’s up your alley? Find out more here or contact Dr. Goldzak directly