QTP in the 60s: John C. Slater and the beginnings of density functional theory

Abstract

The contributions of John C. Slater and his students to the development of quantum theory of molecules and solids have often been overlooked, especially in the area of the early computer calculations using approximations which were the predecessor to Density Functional Theory. This paper looks back to the early days of the Quantum Theory Project, when Professor Slater was heavily involved, and acknowledges research in this area which laid the foundations to the theory which has become one of the premier approximations in quantum theory today.

Keywords:

• QTP
• X-alpha
• density functionals

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank the University of Florida and the Quantum Theory Project for the excellent education and training that I got there as a graduate student and post-doctoral fellow in the 60s, as well as supporting my research when I was an associate and full professor in the University of Florida Department of Physics in the 70s.