General Theoretical Chemistry B08
Dynamical Pathways of N-heteropolycycles in the Strong Light-Matter Coupling Regime
Prof. Vendrell – PCI, Uni HD

Project Description
This project investigates the intersection of organic polaritons, photo-chemistry, and molecular spintronics to advance organic electronic devices. Leveraging the consortium’s expertise in N-heteropolycycle-based materials, the research aims to optimize energy and charge transport through cavity-mediated interactions. The theoretical framework extends beyond traditional ultrafast photo-physics to simulate long-time steady-state dynamics in open quantum systems.
A primary objective is the microscopic rationalization of electronic spin-dynamics. By utilizing light-induced ring currents in high-symmetry molecules, the work explores innovative molecular pathways to achieve the optical control of electronic spins. This multidisciplinary approach combines first-principles electronic structure calculations with high-dimensional quantum molecular dynamics to establish a systematized understanding of cavity-spin-light-matter interactions at the molecular scale.
Selected Publications
Mendive-Tapia, D.; Schran, C.; Das, B.; Gatti, F.; Schroder, M.; Marx, D.; Vendrell, O. Deciphering the Infrared Spectrum of the Hydrated Proton Using Full-Dimensional Quantum Dynamics. Nature Chemistry 2026, accepted.
Mellini, F.; Vendrell, O. Photochemistry in Plasmonic Cavities: From Perturbative to Strong Coupling Regime. The Journal of Chemical Physics 2026, accepted.
Krupp, N.; Huber, M.; Luo, C.; Vendrell, O. First Principles Simulation of the Collective Rovibronic Ground State in a Cavity. Phys. Rev. Res. 2026, 8 (1), 013118. https://doi.org/10.1103/tcpr-1wrh.

