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Dr Alex Thom

University Lecturer

Alex Thom is a University Lecturer in Theoretical Chemistry in the University of Cambridge. His research interests are in Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, specializing in method and software development.

Current projects involve the calculation of accurate electronic energies using Monte Carlo techniques, the description of excited states of medium-large molecules (from chromophores to single-molecule magnets) using new methodologies, and the application of Quantum Chemical Algorithms on Quantum Computers.

I am also a developer of the HANDE QMC package (version 1.6 released June 2022) which (amongst many features) performs Full Configuration Interaction Quantum Monte Carlo and Coupled Cluster Monte Carlo on molecular and solid-state systems, and am happy to be contacted with questions about using this or potential applications.

As part of the EXTRA Consortium, we have been looking at the development processes involved in writing scientific software on modern reconfigurable architectures (principally FPGAs), and currently have projects implementing Quantum Monte Carlo methods on these architectures. I am also part of the Cambridge Leverhulme Centre for Life in the Universe.

PhD and MPhil Positions

If you are interested in pursuing an MPhil or PhD in my group, please contact my secretary, sending a CV by email.  Applications to begin October 2024 are still open.  The deadline for applications for the funding competition has now passed, but applications with external funding are still welcome until 31st January 2024 for MPhil and 16th May 2024 for PhD. 

NEW Funded PhD Studentship:Chiral Selectivity on Magnetic Surfaces  Application deadline 8th January

 

I am part of the Centre for Doctoral Training in Computational Methods for Materials Science and the SynTech Centre for Doctoral Training which both offer funded PhD positions, and I am happy to accept applicants for the MPhil in Scientific Computing and also Chemistry. Some example project ideas can be found here.

Dr Thom discusses his research

Publications

Corrected Density Functional Theory and the Random Phase Approximation: Improved Accuracy at Little Extra Cost
D Graf, AJW Thom
(2023)
(link to publication)
Exploring the parameter space of an endohedral atom in a cylindrical cavity
K Panchagnula, AJW Thom
(2023)
(link to publication)
A hybrid stochastic configuration interaction–coupled cluster approach for multireference systems
M-A Filip, AJW Thom
– The Journal of Chemical Physics
(2023)
158,
184101
(doi: 10.1063/5.0145767)
Folded Spectrum VQE : A quantum computing method for the calculation of molecular excited states
LC Tazi, AJW Thom
(2023)
(link to publication)
Non-unitary Trotter circuits for imaginary time evolution
C Leadbeater, N Fitzpatrick, DM Ramo, AJW Thom
(2023)
(link to publication)
A simple and efficient route towards improved energetics within the framework of density-corrected density functional theory
D Graf, AJW Thom
(2023)
(link to publication)
A hybrid stochastic configuration interaction-coupled cluster approach for multireference systems
M-A Filip, AJW Thom
(2023)
(link to publication)
Studies on the Transcorrelated Method
N Lee, AJW Thom
(2023)
(link to publication)
The density and pressure of helium nano-bubbles encapsulated in silicon
NC Pyper, AJW Thom, CT Whelan
(2022)
(link to publication)
Trade-Off between Redox Potential and the Strength of Electrochemical CO2 Capture in Quinones
AT Bui, NA Hartley, AJW Thom, AC Forse
– J Phys Chem C Nanomater Interfaces
(2022)
126,
14163
(doi: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.2c03752)
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Head of group

Research Interest Group

Theoretical

Telephone number

01223 336470

Email address

College

Peterhouse

Research Interests

Study at Cambridge

About the University

Research at Cambridge