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A Slater determinant is a mathematical construct used in quantum mechanics to describe the wavefunction of a system of identical fermions, such as electrons. It is named after the physicist John C. Slater, who introduced this technique. Fermions are particles that follow the Pauli exclusion principle, which states that no two identical fermions can occupy the same quantum state simultaneously. A Slater determinant provides a way to construct a many-body wavefunction that inherently respects this principle.