Quantum mechanics

Potential energy

Delocalized electron

Potential energy surface

Scattering

Inelastic scattering

Ab initio

Computer science

Acoustics

Wave packet

Statistical physics

Physics

Optics

Focus (optics)

Artificial intelligence

Quantum

High fidelity

Perspective (graphical)

The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters

In this Perspective, we review recent advances in constructing high-fidelity potential energy surfaces (PESs) from discrete ab initio points, using machine learning tools. Such PESs, albeit with substantial initial investments, provide significantly higher efficiency than direct dynamics methods and/or high accuracy at a level that is not affordable by on-the-fly approaches. These PESs not only are a necessity for quantum dynamical studies because of delocalization of wave packets but also enable the study of low-probability and long-time events in (quasi-)classical treatments. Our focus here is on inelastic and reactive scattering processes, which are more challenging than bound systems because of the involvement of continua. Relevant applications and developments for dynamical processes in both the gas phase and at gas–surface interfaces are discussed.

High-Fidelity Potential Energy Surfaces for Gas-Phase and Gas–Surface Scattering Processes from Machine Learning