A non-hierarchical multi-layer multi-configurational time-dependent Hartree approach for quantum dynamics on general potential energy surfaces.

The correlation discrete variable representation (CDVR) enables multi-layer multi-configurational time-dependent Hartree (MCTDH) quantum dynamics simulations on general potential energy surfaces. In a recent study [R. Ellerbrock and U. Manthe, J. Chem. Phys. 156, 134107 (2022)], an improved CDVR that can account for the symmetry properties of a tree-shaped wavefunction representation has been introduced. This non-hierarchical CDVR drastically reduces the number of grid points required in the time-dependent quadrature used to evaluate all potential energy matrix elements. While the first studies on the non-hierarchical CDVR approach have been restricted to single-layer calculations, here the complete theory required for the implementation of the non-hierarchical CDVR approach in the multi-layer MCTDH context will be presented. Detailed equations facilitating the efficient recursive computation of all matrix elements are derived, and a new notation adapted to the symmetry properties of the tree-shaped representation is introduced. Calculations studying the non-adiabatic quantum dynamics of photoexcited pyrazine in 24 dimensions illustrate the properties of the non-hierarchical multi-layer CDVR.

QuTree: A tree tensor network package.

We present QuTree, a C++ library for tree tensor network approaches. QuTree provides class structures for tensors, tensor trees, and related linear algebra functions that facilitate the fast development of tree tensor network approaches such as the multilayer multiconfigurational time-dependent Hartree approach or the density matrix renormalization group approach and its various extensions. We investigate the efficiency of relevant tensor and tensor network operations and show that the overhead for managing the network structure is negligible, even in cases with a million leaves and small tensors. QuTree focuses on providing simple, high-level routines while retaining easy access to the backend to facilitate novel developments. We demonstrate the capabilities of the package by computing the eigenstates of coupled harmonic oscillator Hamiltonians and performing random circuit simulations on a virtual quantum computer.

A numerically exact correlation discrete variable representation for multi-configurational time-dependent Hartree calculations.

The correlation discrete variable representation (CDVR) enables (multilayer) multi-configurational time-dependent Hartree (MCTDH) calculations with general potentials. The CDVR employs a set of grids corresponding to single-particle functions to efficiently evaluate all potential matrix elements appearing in the MCTDH equations of motion. In standard CDVR approaches, the number of grid points employed is tied to the number of corresponding single-particle functions. This limits the accuracy of the quadrature, which can be achieved for a given single-particle function basis. In this work, an extended CDVR approach that facilitates a numerically exact quadrature of all potential matrix elements is introduced. The number of grid points employed can be increased independent of the number of corresponding single-particle function to achieve any desired quadrature accuracy. The properties of the new scheme are illustrated by numerical calculations studying the photodissociation of NOCl and the vibrational states of CH3. Fast convergence with respect to the number of additional quadrature points is observed: Employing a single additional point in each physical or logical coordinate already ensures negligible quadrature errors.

A non-hierarchical correlation discrete variable representation.

The correlation discrete variable representation (CDVR) facilitates (multi-layer) multi-configurational time-dependent Hartree (MCTDH) calculations with general potentials. It employs a layered grid representation to efficiently evaluate all potential matrix elements appearing in the MCTDH equations of motion. The original CDVR approach and its multi-layer extension show a hierarchical structure: the size of the grids employed at the different layers increases when moving from an upper layer to a lower one. In this work, a non-hierarchical CDVR approach, which uses identically structured quadratures at all layers of the MCTDH wavefunction representation, is introduced. The non-hierarchical CDVR approach crucially reduces the number of grid points required, compared to the hierarchical CDVR, shows superior scaling properties, and yields identical results for all three representations showing the same topology. Numerical tests studying the photodissociation of NOCl and the vibrational states of CH3 demonstrate the accuracy of the non-hierarchical CDVR approach.

A multilayer multi-configurational approach to efficiently simulate large-scale circuit-based quantum computers on classical machines.

A multilayer multi-configurational theory framework is adapted to simulate circuit-based quantum computers. Quantum addition of superpositions of an exponential number of summands is performed in polynomial time with high accuracy. We demonstrate numerically accurate calculations including up to one million qubits for entangling benchmarks. Simulation cost can be assessed by entropy-based entanglement measures. For the considered systems, we show that the entanglement only grows weakly with the system size. The present simulations demonstrate how quantum algorithms in low-entropy regimes can be used efficiently on classically simulated quantum computers.

A Quasi-Classical Evaluation of the J-Shifting Approximation for the Reactive Cross Sections of F + CHD3 and F + CH4.

We evaluated the accuracy of the J-shifting approximation to estimate reactant state-selected cross sections for the F+CH4 → HF+CH3 and F+CHD3 → HF+CD3/DF+CHD2 reactions. In particular, we analyzed how the rotational state of methane influences the quality of the approximation. The systems were considered in full dimensionality. Since full-quantum scattering calculations are still unfeasible for these reactions, we employed quasi-classical trajectories (QCT) to calculate the cross sections. The characteristics of the Born-Oppenheimer potential energy surface of these reactions pose a great challenge to the assumptions of the J-shifting approach. In spite of this, we found that it performs well for both reactions if the methane molecule is in the rotational ground state. However, when methane is rotationally excited, the approach affords good results for the F+CH4 system but clearly fails for F+CHD3. The reasons for this failure will be discussed, and a simple procedure to recover good estimators for the cross sections from J = 0 calculations will be introduced.

Natural reaction channels in H + CHD3 → H2 + CD3.

Natural reaction channels are defined by the singular value decomposition of the S-matrix and can be interpreted as pathways through the transition state of the reaction. Here, the reaction probabilities and asymptotic state distributions associated with the natural reaction channels of the H + CHD3 → H2 + CD3 reactions are presented. The analysis is based on accurate quantum dynamics data obtained by full-dimensional (multi-layer) multi-configurational time-dependent Hartree (MCTDH) calculations using the quantum transition state framework and a high-level ab initio potential energy surface. The reaction starting from several different initial ro-vibrational states is investigated. The results provide interesting insights into symmetry-related differences between the mode-selective chemistry of CH4 and CHD3. The presence of localized vibrational modes in CHD3 is found to limit the loss of memory effect seen in the H + CH4 → H2 + CH3 reaction and to give rise to spectator behavior of the selected modes. Furthermore, the recently found reactivity borrowing effect, which results from a Fermi resonance-type state mixing of the triple umbrella excited and single C-H-stretch excited states of CHD3, is investigated. Here, the natural reaction channel analysis provides detailed information on the resonant energy transfer in the entrance channel of the reaction and the correlation between the asymptotic states of the reactants and the vibrational states of the activated complex.

Full-dimensional quantum dynamics calculations for H + CHD3 → H2 + CD3: The effect of multiple vibrational excitations.

Initial state-selected reaction probabilities for the H + CHD3 → H2 + CD3 reaction starting from various different ro-vibrational states of CHD3 are studied by accurate full-dimensional (12D) quantum dynamics calculation for vanishing total angular momentum (J = 0). The calculations employ the quantum transition state concept and the multi-layer multi-configurational time-dependent Hartree approach. First results focusing on fundamental excitations and the reactivity borrowing effect were communicated recently [R. Ellerbrock and U. Manthe, J. Chem. Phys. 147, 241104 (2017)]. In the present work, all vibrational states of the methane reactant are considered. It is found that energy deposited in overtones and combination bands is less efficient in promoting reactivity than expected from separable or sudden models. Furthermore, the effects of rotational excitation on the reactivity are studied in detail.

Communication: Reactivity borrowing in the mode selective chemistry of H + CHD3 → H2 + CD3.

Quantum state-resolved reaction probabilities for the H + CHD3 → H2 + CD3 reaction are calculated by accurate full-dimensional quantum dynamics calculations using the multi-layer multi-configurational time-dependent Hartree approach and the quantum transition state concept. Reaction probabilities of various ro-vibrational states of the CHD3 reactant are investigated for vanishing total angular momentum. While the reactivity of the different vibrational states of CHD3 mostly follows intuitive patterns, an unusually large reaction probability is found for CHD3 molecules triply excited in the CD3 umbrella-bending vibration. This surprising reactivity can be explained by a Fermi resonance-type mixing of the single CH-stretch excited and the triple CD3 umbrella-bend excited vibrational states of CHD3. These findings show that resonant energy transfer can significantly affect the mode-selective chemistry of CHD3 and result in counter-intuitive reactivity patterns.

S-matrix decomposition, natural reaction channels, and the quantum transition state approach to reactive scattering.

A new approach for the quantum-state resolved analysis of polyatomic reactions is introduced. Based on the singular value decomposition of the S-matrix, energy-dependent natural reaction channels and natural reaction probabilities are defined. It is shown that the natural reaction probabilities are equal to the eigenvalues of the reaction probability operator [U. Manthe and W. H. Miller, J. Chem. Phys. 99, 3411 (1993)]. Consequently, the natural reaction channels can be interpreted as uniquely defined pathways through the transition state of the reaction. The analysis can efficiently be combined with reactive scattering calculations based on the propagation of thermal flux eigenstates. In contrast to a decomposition based straightforwardly on thermal flux eigenstates, it does not depend on the choice of the dividing surface separating reactants from products. The new approach is illustrated studying a prototypical example, the H + CH4 → H2 + CH3 reaction. The natural reaction probabilities and the contributions of the different vibrational states of the methyl product to the natural reaction channels are calculated and discussed. The relation between the thermal flux eigenstates and the natural reaction channels is studied in detail.

Vibrational control of the reaction pathway in the H + CHD3 → H2 + CD3 reaction.

An accurate full-dimensional quantum state-to-state simulation of the six-atom title reaction based on first-principles theory is reported. Counterintuitive effects are found: Increasing the energy in the reactant's CD3 umbrella vibration reduces the energy in the corresponding product vibration. An in-depth analysis reveals the crucial role of the effective dynamical transition state: Its geometry is controlled by the vibrational states of the reactants and subsequently controls the quantum state distribution of the products. This finding enables generalizing the concept of transition state control of chemical reactions to the quantum state-specific level.