Introduction to Quantum Chemistry Simulations with ORCA
Overview
Instructor: Xin Yang
Time: Friday, February 25, 2022 — 10:00AM-12:30PM CT
Location: Blocker 220 and online using Zoom
Prerequisites: Active HPRC account, Basic Linux and Physical Chemistry knowledge
This course provides a brief introduction to quantum chemistry simulations with ORCA, a free toacademics quantum chemistry software package.ORCA offers a wide range of methods for modeling chemical compounds and processes, including the relatively new local correlation methods (DPLNO). In this course, Quantum Mechanics (QM) simulation related concepts such as the ab initio and DFT level of theory, basis sets, effective core potentials (ECP), solvation, and relativistic effects will be introduced. By taking this course, you will be able to gain hands-on experience in using ORCA to setup, run, and analyze the results for DFT calculations, including geometry optimization, vibrational frequencies/IR spectra and UV-Vis spectra.
Users will need an SU balance of at least 10 to run exercises.
Course Materials
- Presentation Slides (Fall 2021): PDF
- Tutorial: PDF
- Tutorial files: zip
- Additional information about ORCA: ORCA
Previous Course Materials
- Presentation Slides (Spring 2021): PDF
Agenda
This course focuses on the following topics:
- Basic introduction to quantum mechanics
- How to set up and run ORCA calculations
- Using Avogadro and Molden as a GUI
- Single-point calculations
- Geometry optimizations
- Frequency calculations
- Excited state calculations
- Spectroscopic properties