Outstanding challenges for chemical physics in the 21 st century
The advances in chemical Physics series is dedicated to reviewing new and emerging topics as well as the latest developments in traditional areas of study in the field of chemical physics. Each volume features detailed comprehensive analyses coupled with individual points of view that integrate the many disciplines of science that are needed four full understanding of chemical physics.
Volume 157 is based on the “240 conference” held at the University of Chicago in September 2012 and celebrates the scientific research contributions and careers of R. Stephen Berry, Stuart A. Rice, and Joshua Jortner through exploration of open problems in chemical physics and related fields. These problems are organized intro there central themes:
- Emergence and breakdown of complexity
- Dynamics at extremes
- Grand questions regarding the origin and evolution of life
 

Part I The emergence and breakdown of complexity
Features of complexity
Exploring quantum- classical boundary
Transition from atoms to clusters to condensed matter
Free energies of staging a scenario and perpetual motion machines of the third kind
Finite- time thermodynamics tools to analyze dissipative
New types of complexity in chemical kinetics: intersections, coincidences, and special symmetrical relationships
Opportunities in the area of noise in biological reactions networks
Thermodynamic approach to chemical al networks
On the emergence of simple structures in complex phenomena: concepts and some numerical examples
The emergence of simplicity from complexity
Part II Dynamics at extremes
On the way to a theory of solid state synthesis: issues and open questions
Beyond molecular conduction: optical and thermal effects in molecular junctions
Thermal conductance at the interface between molecules
Laser energy deposition in Nanodroplets and nuclear fusion driven by coulomb explosion
Understanding ultraintense X- ray interactions with matter
Time- dependent computational methods for matter under extreme conditions
Elementary excitations in ultracold finite systems
Part III Grand questions
On biomolecular homochirality as a quasi- fossil of the evolution of life
Origins of life
Author index
Subject index