Role
Jonathan Rawlinson is a Lecturer in the School of Science & Technology. His research is in mathematical chemistry. He applies ideas from differential geometry, group theory and semiclassical theory (asymptotics) to better understand molecular systems, often with a view to designing improved algorithms for efficient and accurate simulation. Areas of current interest include: theoretical description of the interaction between electrons (governed by quantum mechanics) and atomic nuclei (well-described by classical mechanics) in molecular systems, using methods from semiclassical theory; the relationship between symmetries and semiclassical approximation in molecules; the nature of conical intersections, i.e. regions where nuclear motion induces electronic transitions to excited quantum states.