Statistical Mechanics in Theoretical Chemistry in India : Past, present and a bit of future

Abstract

While the subject of statistical mechanics is intensely active in physics departments across India, with considerable activity even in mathematics departments, the same cannot be said for average chemistry departments in India where statistical mechanics is relatively less taught and even less pursued. This is to be contrasted with USA and many other developed countries (Germany, Israel) where statistical mechanics and spectroscopy are major disciplines in the physical chemistry departments. The situation, however, has changed rapidly in the past few decades. In this article we discuss the developments in this important area in the recent past, with emphasis both on analytical approach and those based on computer simulations. We also attempt to look into future problems where our efforts could be directed fruitfully.