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At least 217 records · Page 12

Studies of light neutron-excess systems from bounds to continuum

The generalized two-center cluster model (GTCM), which can handle various single particle configurations in general two center systems, is applied to the light neutron-rich system, {sup 12}Be = {alpha}+{alpha}+4N. We discuss the change of the neutrons' configuration around two {alpha}-cores as a variation of an excitation energy. We show that the excess neutrons form various chemical-bondinglike configurations around two {alpha} cores in the unbound region above the {alpha} decay threshold. The possibility of the {alpha} cluster formation in the heavier neutron-excess system, {sup 28}Ne, is also discussed.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Does the Excited Cluster {sup 14}N{sup *} Exist in the {sup 15}O Nucleus?

On the basis of the modified potential two-cluster model with forbidden state which effectively take the Pauli principle into account, calculations have been performed of the astrophysical S-factor of radiative p{sup 14}N capture to the ground state of the {sup 15}O nucleus at proton energies up to 5 MeV in the center-of-mass system (c.m.s.) with allowance for wide resonances up to 3.4 MeV in the c.m.s. For an acceptable explanation of the available experimental data it is necessary to allow the existence of the {sup 14}N cluster in the excited state {sup 14}N{sup *} at an excitation energy of 5.69 MeV and angular momentum J{sup π} = 1{sup –}. It is assumed that in such a case it is possible to use the wave function of the {sup 4}D{sub 1/2} state with respect to the relative motion of the p{sup 14}N{sup *} clusters. It is also shown that a description of the S-factor of p{sup 14}N capture in the resonance region is possible only under the assumption that all of the low-lying resonances at 260(1/2{sup +}), 987(3/2{sup +}), 1447(1/2{sup +}), 2187(3/2{sup +}), and 3211(3/2{sup +}) keV in the c.m.s. are {sup 4}D{sub 1/2} and {sup 4}D{sub 3/2} scattering waves.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

Radiative neutron capture by {sup 2}H, {sup 7}Li, {sup 14}C, and {sup 14}N nuclei at astrophysical energies

The possibility of describing experimental data on the total cross sections for the n{sup 2}H, n{sup 7}Li, n{sup 14}C, and n{sup 14}N radiative-capture processes within the potential cluster model involving forbidden states and their classification according to Young's tableaux is considered. It is shown that this model and the methods used here to construct potentials make it possible to describe correctly the behavior of the experimental cross sections at energies between 5 to 10 meV (5 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -3}-10 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -3} eV) and 1 to 15MeV.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Implementation of density functional embedding theory within the projector-augmented-wave method and applications to semiconductor defect states

We report a new implementation of the density functional embedding theory (DFET) in the VASP code, using the projector-augmented-wave (PAW) formalism. Newly developed algorithms allow us to efficiently perform optimized effective potential optimizations within PAW. The new algorithm generates robust and physically correct embedding potentials, as we verified using several test systems including a covalently bound molecule, a metal surface, and bulk semiconductors. We show that with the resulting embedding potential, embedded cluster models can reproduce the electronic structure of point defects in bulk semiconductors, thereby demonstrating the validity of DFET in semiconductors for the first time. Compared to our previous version, the new implementation of DFET within VASP affords use of all features of VASP (e.g., a systematic PAW library, a wide selection of functionals, a more flexible choice of U correction formalisms, and faster computational speed) with DFET. Furthermore, our results are fairly robust with respect to both plane-wave and Gaussian type orbital basis sets in the embedded cluster calculations. This suggests that the density functional embedding method is potentially an accurate and efficient way to study properties of isolated defects in semiconductors.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Towards a Predictive Thermodynamic Model of Oxidation States of Uranium Incorporated in Fe (hydr) oxides

The theoretical research in this project has been directed toward the interpretation of core-level spectroscopies for systems relevant to the project. For the initial efforts, the focus of our theoretical simulations has been the interpretation of laboratory and synchrotron X-Ray Photoemission Spectra, XPS. In more recent efforts, an increasing emphasis has been placed on developing transparent understandings of X-Ray Adsorption Spectra, XAS . For the XAS, the principal concern is for the near-edge features, either just below or just above, an ionization limit or edge, which are described as Near-Edge X-Ray Adsorption Fine Structure, NEXAFS. In particular, a priority has involved the analysis and interpretation of XPS and NEXAFS spectra, especially of Fe and U systems, as measured by our PNNL collaborators. The overall objective of our theoretical studies is to establish connections between features of the spectra and their origin in the electronic structure of the materials. The efforts for the analysis of XPS have been reviewed in a paper by the PI, C. J. Nelin, and E. S. Ilton from PNNL on “The interpretation of XPS spectra: Insights into materials properties”, Surf. Sci. Reports, 68, 273 (2013). Two materials properties of special interest have been the degree of ionicity and the character of the covalent bonding in a range of oxides formed with transition metal, lanthanide, and actinide cations. Since the systems treated have electrons in open shells, it has been necessary to determine the energetics and the character of the angular momentum coupling of the open shell electrons. In particular, we have established methods for the treatment of the “intermediate coupling” which arises when the system is between the limit of Russell-Saunders multiplets, and the limit of j-j coupling where the spin-orbit splittings of single electrons dominate. A recent paper by the PI, and M. J. Sassi, and K. M. Rosso, (both at PNNL) “Intermediate Coupling For Core-Level Excited States: Consequences For X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy”, J. Elec. Spectros. and Related Phenom., 200, 174 (2015) describes our first application of these methods. As well as applications to problems and materials of direct interest for our PNNL colleagues, we have pursued applications of fundamental theoretical significance for the analysis and interpretation of XPS and XAS spectra. These studies are important for the development of the fields of core-level spectroscopies as well as to advance our capabilities for applications of interest to our PNNL colleagues. An excellent example is our study of the surface core-level shifts, SCLS, for the surface and bulk atoms of an oxide that provides a new approach to understanding how the surface electronic of oxides differs from that in the bulk of the material. This work has the potential to lead to a new key to understanding the reactivity of oxide surfaces. Our theoretical studies use cluster models with finite numbers of atoms to describe the properties of condensed phases and crystals. This approach has allowed us to focus on the local atomistic, chemical interactions. For these clusters, we obtain orbitals and spinors through the solution of the Hartree-Fock, HF, and the fully relativistic Dirac HF equations. These orbitals are used to form configuration mixing wavefunctions which treat the many-body effects responsible for the open shell angular momentum coupling and for the satellites of the core-level spectra. Our efforts have been in two complementary directions. As well as the applications described above, we have placed major emphasis on the enhancement and extension of our theoretical and computational capabilities so that we can treat complex systems with a greater range of many-body effects. Noteworthy accomplishments in terms of method development and enhancement have included: (1) An improvement in our treatment of the large matrices that must be handled when many-body effects are treated. (2) Improvements and extensions of our capabilities for the calculation of the intensities of XPS and XAS transitions. And (3) ongoing development of flexible programs for the visualization of the theoretical spectra so that they can be compared with experiment. Our efforts on applications and methodology for these and related topics will continue under a sub-contract to PNNL.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗

THE REACTION {sup 8}Li(n,γ){sup 9}Li AT ASTROPHYSICAL ENERGIES AND ITS ROLE IN PRIMORDIAL NUCLEOSYNTHESIS

The possibility of describing available experimental data for the total cross sections of neutron radiative capture on {sup 8}Li at thermal and astrophysical energies was considered within the framework of the modified potential cluster model with the state classification of nuclear particles according to the Young tableaux. Our approach allows one to transmit available data in the energy range 0.1–1.0 MeV quite well, and predicts the behavior of the total cross sections at super-low energies, down to 25.3 × 10{sup −9} MeV.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

On Decoration of a Zigzag Edge of Epitaxial Graphene

Two approaches are proposed to the problem of the coupling of adsorbed particles with atoms of a zigzag edge of graphene formed on a metal substrate. The first approach is based on the Kalkstein and Soven scheme, which makes it possible to determine the electronic structure of a semi-infinite graphene sheet. The second approach is based on a cluster model of a zigzag edge. Analytical expressions are obtained for the local densities of the system’s states and the occupation numbers of a carbon adatom and an adparticle. The case of an isolated adparticle is considered in detail, and a method of taking into account the dipole–dipole interaction of particles aligned along the edge is proposed.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Attosecond extreme ultraviolet generation in cluster by using spatially inhomogeneous field

A promising method to generate the attosecond extreme ultraviolet (XUV) sources has been theoretically investigated emerging from the two-dimensional Ar{sup +} cluster driven by the spatially inhomogeneous field. The results show that with the introduction of the Ar{sup +} cluster model, not only the harmonic cutoffs are enhanced, but also the harmonic yields are reinforced. Furthermore, by properly moderating the inhomogeneity as well as the laser parameters of the inhomogeneous field, the harmonic cutoff can be further extended. As a result, three almost linearly polarized XUV pulses with durations of 40 as, 42 as, and 45 as can be obtained.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Effect of Electron–Phonon Interaction on the Conductivity and Work Function of Epitaxial Graphene

In the context of the cluster model of epitaxial graphene, the condition for a stepwise change in the charge of carbon atoms under the action of graphene–substrate electron–phonon interaction and an external electric field is derived. Such charge transfer brings about corresponding steps of the static conductivity and work function of epitaxial graphene. Numerical estimates for the case of weak coupling of quasi-free graphene with metal and semiconductor substrates are given.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Radiative р{sup 14}N Capture to the First Excited State of the {sup 15}O Nucleus

Within the framework of the modified potential cluster model, the possibility of describing the available experimental data on the astrophysical S-factor for the p{sup 14}N capture reaction to the first excited state of the {sup 15}O nucleus at 5.18 MeV for proton energies up to 1 MeV is considered. Under the assumption that this excited state is a D wave, we have successfully described the experimental data for the astrophysical S-factor.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Investigation of the near-surface structures of polar InN films by chemical-state-discriminated hard X-ray photoelectron diffraction

Near-surface structures of polar InN films were investigated by laboratory-based hard X-ray photoelectron diffraction (HXPD) with chemical-state-discrimination. HXPD patterns from In 3d{sub 5/2} and N 1s core levels of the In-polar and N-polar InN films were different from each other and compared with the simulation results using a multiple-scattering cluster model. It was found that the near-surface structure of the In-polar InN film was close to the ideal wurtzite structure. On the other hand, on the N-polar InN film, defects-rich surface was formed. In addition, the existence of the In-polar domains was observed in the HXPD patterns.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Radiative p{sup 14}N Capture to the Third Excited State of the {sup 15}O Nucleus at 6.17 MeV

Within the framework of the modified potential cluster model, results of a description of available experimental data in terms of the astrophysical S-factor for the reaction of p{sup 14}N capture to the third excited state of the 15O nucleus at 6.17 MeV with J = 3/2– for proton energies up to 1 MeV are presented. Under the assumption that this excited state is a P{sub 3/2} level and the two resonances at 260 and 987 keV are D scattering waves, we have on the whole successfully reproduced the experimental data for the astrophysical S-factor.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Exotic structure in light neutron-rich nuclei

In this presentation I discussed two subjects. One is the persistence of threefold symmetry in the ground state of {sup 12}C. Recently D{sub 3h} symmetry has been established in {sup 12}C, which reflects the geometric symmetry of the three α particles. Although the spin-orbit interaction plays a significant role and this interaction breaks the α clusters, we show that threefold symmetry of {sup 12}C is still there. We use AQCM approach and discuss that inclusion of spin-orbit interaction, which is absent in the conventional microscopic α cluster models, is possible keeping the threefold symmetry. The second subject is the appearance of rod shape in C isotopes, which has been investigated in the framework of the cranking covariant density functional theory. The relationship between the stability of such states and the spin and isospin degrees of freedom is discussed; adding valence neutrons and rotating the system. These two effects stabilize the rod shape, and in addition, their coherent effect has been found; the σ-orbits (parallel to the symmetry axis) of the valence neutrons, which enhances the rod shape, is lowered by the rotation of the system, and this σ-orbit pulls down the single particle energies of protons with linear configuration owing to the proton-neutron interaction effect.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Lithium doping on covalent organic framework-320 for enhancing hydrogen storage at ambient temperature

Density Functional Theory (DFT) combines with grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulations are performed to explore the effect of Li doping on the hydrogen storage capability of COF-320. The results show that the interaction energy between the H{sub 2} and the Li-doped COF-320 is about three times higher than that of pristine COF-320. GCMC simulations are employed to study the hydrogen uptake of Li-doped COF-320 at ambient temperature, further confirm that the lithium doping can improve the hydrogen uptake at ambient temperature. Our results demonstrate that Li-doped COFs have good potential in the field of hydrogen storage. - Graphical abstract: Fig. 1. The optimized cluster model used here to represent the COF-320 and possible adsorption sites (A, B, C) for adsorption of metals in the COF-320. The dangling bonds are terminated by H atoms. C, H, and N atoms are shown as gray, white, and blue colors, respectively. Fig. 2. The adsorption isotherm of H{sub 2} in the pristine and Li-doped COF-320 at 298 K. - Highlights: • The binding sites of single and two lithium atoms in COF-320 were studied. • The interaction energy between the H{sub 2} and the Li-doped COF-320 is about three times higher than that of pristine COF-320. • H{sub 2} uptakes on the Li-doped COFs obtain significant improvement at ambient temperature. • Lithium-doping is a successful strategy for improving hydrogen uptake.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Electronic structure and magnetic anisotropy of L1{sub 0}-FePt thin film studied by hard x-ray photoemission spectroscopy and first-principles calculations

We have studied the electronic structure of the L1{sub 0} ordered FePt thin film by hard x-ray photoemission spectroscopy (HAXPES), cluster model, and first-principles calculations to investigate the relationship between the electronic structure and perpendicular magneto-crystalline anisotropy (MCA). The Fe 2p core-level HAXPES spectrum of the ordered film revealed the strong electron correlation in the Fe 3d states and the hybridization between the Fe 3d and Pt 5d states. By comparing the experimental valence band structure with the theoretical density of states, the strong electron correlation in the Fe 3d states modifies the valence band electronic structure of the L1{sub 0} ordered FePt thin film through the Fe 3d-Pt 5d hybridization. These results strongly suggest that the strong electron correlation effect in the Fe 3d states and the Fe 3d-Pt 5d hybridization as well as the spin-orbit interaction in the Pt 5d states play important roles in the perpendicular MCA for L1{sub 0}-FePt.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Electronic couplings for molecular charge transfer: Benchmarking CDFT, FODFT, and FODFTB against high-level ab initio calculations

We introduce a database (HAB11) of electronic coupling matrix elements (H{sub ab}) for electron transfer in 11 π-conjugated organic homo-dimer cations. High-level ab inito calculations at the multireference configuration interaction MRCI+Q level of theory, n-electron valence state perturbation theory NEVPT2, and (spin-component scaled) approximate coupled cluster model (SCS)-CC2 are reported for this database to assess the performance of three DFT methods of decreasing computational cost, including constrained density functional theory (CDFT), fragment-orbital DFT (FODFT), and self-consistent charge density functional tight-binding (FODFTB). We find that the CDFT approach in combination with a modified PBE functional containing 50% Hartree-Fock exchange gives best results for absolute H{sub ab} values (mean relative unsigned error = 5.3%) and exponential distance decay constants β (4.3%). CDFT in combination with pure PBE overestimates couplings by 38.7% due to a too diffuse excess charge distribution, whereas the economic FODFT and highly cost-effective FODFTB methods underestimate couplings by 37.6% and 42.4%, respectively, due to neglect of interaction between donor and acceptor. The errors are systematic, however, and can be significantly reduced by applying a uniform scaling factor for each method. Applications to dimers outside the database, specifically rotated thiophene dimers and larger acenes up to pentacene, suggests that the same scaling procedure significantly improves the FODFT and FODFTB results for larger π-conjugated systems relevant to organic semiconductors and DNA.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

Comparison of Cluster, Slab, and Analytic Potential Models for the Dimethyl Methylphosphonate (DMMP)/TiO2 (110) Intermolecular Interaction

In a previous study (J. Phys. Chem. C 2011, 115, 12403) cluster models for the TiO2 rutile (110) surface and MP2 calculations were used to develop an analytic potential energy function for dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) interacting with this surface. In the work presented here, this analytic potential and MP2 cluster models are compared with DFT "slab" calculations for DMMP interacting with the TiO2 (110) surface and with DFT cluster models for the TiO2 (110) surface. The DFT slab calculations were performed with the PW91 and PBE functionals. The analytic potential gives DMMP/ TiO2 (110) potential energy curves in excellent agreement with those obtained from the slab calculations. The cluster models for the TiO2 (110) surface, used for the MP2 calculations, were extended to DFT calculations with the B3LYP, PW91, and PBE functional. These DFT calculations do not give DMMP/TiO2 (110) interaction energies which agree with those from the DFT slab calculations. Analyses of the wave functions for these cluster models show that they do not accurately represent the HOMO and LUMO for the surface, which should be 2p and 3d orbitals, respectively, and the models also do not give an accurate band gap. The MP2 cluster models do not accurately represent the LUMO and that they give accurate DMMP/TiO2 (110) interaction energies is apparently fortuitous, arising from their highly inaccurate band gaps. Accurate cluster models, consisting of 7, 10, and 15 Ti-atoms and which have the correct HOMO and LUMO properties, are proposed. The work presented here illustrates the care that must be taken in "constructing" cluster models which accurately model surfaces.

calculations↗