Molecular and Materials Physics Hub · Department of Physics · Universidad de Chile
Matter, from first principles.
We combine quantum chemistry, condensed-matter physics and materials science to understand and predict how atoms, molecules, surfaces and functional materials behave.
01 — Research
One thread: electronic structure.
Six lines of research, from a single molecule colliding in interstellar space to quantum phases in crystals — all tied together by how electrons organise themselves.
01
Atomic & Molecular Physics
Nuclear and electronic dynamics of atoms and molecules, isolated and interacting.
02
Chemical Reactivity Theory
Understanding chemical reactions from the principles of quantum mechanics.
03
Molecular Astrophysics
Chemical reactions and molecular collisions in extreme environments.
04
Superconductivity
Study and prediction of new superconducting materials.
05
Altermagnetism
Study and design of altermagnetic materials.
06
Topological Materials
Study and design of topological materials.
02 — Publications
Recent work
2026
Crystal Anisotropy Implications on the Magneto-Optical Properties of van der Waals FePS3
Geraffy, E., …, León, A. M., Heine, T., et al. · Adv. Quantum Technol.
2026
Structure–property relationships in subnanometric transition metal tetramers
Ferraro, F., Cárdenas, C., Gomez, T., Hadad, C. · RSC Adv. 16, 38348–38363
2026
Beyond the benzene analogy: σ-dominant double aromaticity in planar boron clusters
Sacanamboy, D. S., Cárdenas, C., Ruiz, L., Leyva-Parra, L., Tiznado, W. · New J. Chem. 50, 11928
2026
Muriel, W. A., Chacón, I., Muñoz, F., Cárdenas, C. · ACS Appl. Electron. Mater. 8, 4408–4417
2026
Sliding phasons in moiré ladders
Mellado, P., Muñoz, F., Cabezas-Escares, J. · Phys. Rev. B 113, 165152
03 — News
From the group
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Salvador Santelices defends his MSc thesis in Physics
Congratulations to Salvador Santelices, better known as Salva, who has successfully defended his MSc thesis in Physics at Universidad de Chile. Thesis…
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Undergraduate Physics Research Day
The Undergraduate Physics Research Day took place on Wednesday, November 12, bringing together undergraduate students to showcase their ongoing research projects through…
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Visit of Prof. Karin M. Rabe
During the week of November 3–7, 2025, our group had the honor of hosting Prof. Karin M. Rabe, a distinguished theoretical physicist from Rutgers…
Want to work with us?
We welcome undergraduate and graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers interested in electronic structure, quantum chemistry and computational materials science. Write to any faculty member with your CV and interests.
