Memories of Walter Kohn in Santa Barbara

Abstract

Walter and I first met at a density functional meeting in Alcabideche, Portugal. At this conference, I presented some results on the foundation of time-dependent density functional theory which I had just completed together with a young student, Erich Runge. Although, at first, not entirely convinced that our results were correct, he got sufficiently curious to invite me to work with him in Santa Barbara. Our work developed so wonderfully that, after a NATO fellowship and a regular postdoc position, I decided to spend a subsequent Heisenberg fellowship in Santa Barbara as well. Altogether, I had the privilege of being and working with Walter in Santa Barbara for 6 years. Countless happy memories of this time come to my mind. His passion for science, his tireless fight for human values, his marvellous ability to enjoy life, all this infected me for ever.