Richard Scalettar

Distinguished Professor of Physics at the University of California Davis College of Letters and Science since 1989. Primary affiliation with the Department of Physics, with significant cross-disciplinary collaborations in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science through NSF and DOE grants.

Research focuses on quantum many-body phenomena in condensed matter systems and ultracold atomic gases. Expertise spans magnetism, superconductivity, metal-insulator transitions, and quantum phase transitions. Pioneers advanced Quantum Monte Carlo simulation techniques, particularly determinant quantum Monte Carlo for Hubbard and electron-phonon models. Current work investigates spatial inhomogeneities in quantum phases and strong interparticle interactions. Recent publications reveal growing integration of machine learning with quantum simulation.

Research trends indicate deepening exploration of SU(N) symmetric systems, flat-band quasicrystals, photonic quantum simulators, and neural quantum states. Increasing emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches combining condensed matter theory, quantum information science, and computational mathematics. Key methodological focus remains on overcoming fermionic sign problems and developing scalable numerical algorithms.

Principal investigator for major grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Naval Research (ONR), and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Significant funding through NSF Information Technology Research and DOE Scientific Discovery through Advanced Computing Programs for quantum simulation algorithm development.