Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “electronic structure methods”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 487 records · Page 27
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2014

Strain induced Z{sub 2} topological insulating state of β-As{sub 2}Te{sub 3}

Topological insulators are non-trivial quantum states of matter which exhibit a gap in the electronic structure of their bulk form, but a gapless metallic electronic spectrum at the surface. Here, we predict a uniaxial strain induced electronic topological transition (ETT) from a band to topological insulating state in the rhombohedral phase (space group: R3{sup ¯}m) of As{sub 2}Te{sub 3} (β-As{sub 2}Te{sub 3}) through first-principles calculations including spin-orbit coupling within density functional theory. The ETT in β-As{sub 2}Te{sub 3} is shown to occur at the uniaxial strain ϵ{sub zz} = −0.05 (σ{sub zz} = 1.77 GPa), passing through a Weyl metallic state with a single Dirac cone in its electronic structure at the Γ point. We demonstrate the ETT through band inversion and reversal of parity of the top of the valence and bottom of the conduction bands leading to change in the ℤ{sub 2} topological invariant ν{sub 0} from 0 to 1 across the transition. Based on its electronic structure and phonon dispersion, we propose ultra-thin films of As{sub 2}Te{sub 3} to be promising for use in ultra-thin stress sensors, charge pumps, and thermoelectrics.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2015

Investigation of the Fe{sup 3+} centers in perovskite KMgF{sub 3} through a combination of ab initio (density functional theory) and semi-empirical (superposition model) calculations

Analyses of the local crystal and electronic structure in the vicinity of Fe{sup 3+} centers in perovskite KMgF{sub 3} crystal have been carried out in a comprehensive manner. A combination of density functional theory (DFT) and a semi-empirical superposition model (SPM) is used for a complete analysis of all Fe{sup 3+} centers in this study for the first time. Some quantitative information has been derived from the DFT calculations on both the electronic structure and the local geometry around Fe{sup 3+} centers. All of the trigonal (K-vacancy case, K-Li substitution case, and normal trigonal Fe{sup 3+} center case), FeF{sub 5}O cluster, and tetragonal (Mg-vacancy and Mg-Li substitution cases) centers have been taken into account based on the previously suggested experimental and theoretical inferences. The collaboration between the experimental data and the results of both DFT and SPM calculations provides us to understand most probable structural model for Fe{sup 3+} centers in KMgF{sub 3}.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2013

Electronic structure of magnetic semiconductor CdCr{sub 2}Te{sub 4}: A possible spin-dependent symmetry filter

We present a theoretical investigation of the electronic and magnetic structure of spinel CdCr{sub 2}Te{sub 4} using density functional theory, its extensions via onsite Hubbard U interactions, and a screened-hybrid-functional exchange potential. We find that the ground state is semiconducting within the latter approach, and within this magnetic-semiconducting system, we compute the complex band structure, finding a slowly decaying evanescent Δ{sup ~}{sub 1} state possibly suitable for realizing a spin-dependent symmetry filter effect.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

A phase width for CaGaSn. Crystal structure of mixed intermetallic Ca{sub 4}Ga{sub 4+x}Sn{sub 4−x} and SmGa{sub x}Sn{sub 3−x}, stability, geometry and electronic structure

X-ray single-crystal structure has been established for new compositions in intermetallic systems of tin and gallium. Crystals were successfully obtained in alloys prepared from elements. The structure of SmGaSn{sub 2} (cubic Pm3̄m, a=4.5778(8) Å, Z=1, R1=0.012) is described with atomic disorder at all Sn/Ga positions and the structure of Ca{sub 4}Ga{sub 4.9}Sn{sub 3.1} (hexagonal, P6{sub 3}/mmc, a=4.2233(9), c=17.601(7) Å, Z=1, R1=0.062) raises an interesting question about existence of a composition domain for CaGaSn. Finally, Ca{sub 4}Ga{sub 4.9}Sn{sub 3.1} should be considered as a particular composition of Ca{sub 4}Ga{sub 4+x}Sn{sub 4−x}, a compound assumed to exist in the range x ~ 0−1. Partial atomic ordering characterizes the Sn/Ga puckered layers of hexagons whose geometries are analyzed and discussed comparatively with analogous arrangements in AlB{sub 2} related hexagonal compounds. The study is supported by rigid band model and DFT calculations performed for different experimental and hypothetic arrangements. - Graphical abstract: A phase width for Ca{sub 4}Ga{sub 4+x}Sn{sub 4−x} belonging to the hexagonal YPtAs structure-type. - Highlights: • Single crystals of mixed tin gallium ternary intermetallics were obtained. • Partial ordering at metal sites and phase width are evidenced for Ca{sub 4}Ga{sub 4+x}Sn{sub 4−x}. • Layer deviation to flatness is studied comparatively with related structures. • Geometry and stability analyses based on DFT calculations are provided.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

Stability and electronic properties of SiC nanowire adsorbed on MoS{sub 2} monolayer

Structural stability and electronic properties of silicon carbide (SiC) nano-wire on MoS{sub 2} monolayer are investigated within the framework of density functional theory (DFT). The preferred binding site for the SiC nano-wire is predicted to be hollow site of monolayer. In the electronic band structure the states in valence band near Fermi level are mainly due to nano-wire leading to reduction of band gap relative to monolayer. These results provide a platform for their applications in optoelectronic devices.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2011

Electronic structure of HgBa{sub 2}Ca{sub n-1}Cu{sub n}O{sub 2n+2} (n= 1, 2, 3) superconductor parent compounds from periodic hybrid density functional theory

The electronic structure of HgBa{sub 2}Ca{sub n-1}Cu{sub n}O{sub 2n+2} (n= 1, 2, and 3) high T{sub c} superconductor parent compounds has been investigated by means of periodic hybrid density functional theory. Similar to other cuprates, these materials are predicted to exhibit an antiferromagnetic ground state with well localized S= 1/2 magnetic centers at the Cu{sup 2+} sites. However, the presence of the HgO{sub 2} structural units largely defines the nature of states dominating the energy range around Fermi energy. This results in a complex charge transfer character of the insulating gap which decreases when increasing the number of CuO{sub 2} planes in the unit cell, to the point that in the HgBa{sub 2}Ca{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 8} compound it becomes so small that one can claim that the resulting material is metallic. Nevertheless, the metallic character arises from the HgO{sub 2} structural units and coexists with the antiferromagnetic order arising from the localized spins at the Cu{sup 2+} sites.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Investigation of organic magnetoresistance dependence on spin-orbit coupling using 8-hydroxyquinolinate rare-earth based complexes

The recently discovered organic magnetoresistance effect (OMAR) reveals the spin-dependent behavior of the charge transport in organic semiconductors. So far, it is known that hyperfine interactions play an important role in this phenomenon and also that spin-orbit coupling is negligible for light-atom based compounds. However, in the presence of heavy atoms, spin-orbit interactions should play an important role in OMAR. It is known that these interactions are responsible for singlet and triplet states mixing via intersystem crossing and the change of spin-charge relaxation time in the charge mobility process. In this work, we report a dramatic change in the OMAR effect caused by the presence of strong intramolecular spin-orbit coupling in a series of rare-earth quinolate organic complex-based devices. Our data show a different OMAR lineshape compared with the OMAR lineshape of tris(8-hydroxyquinolinate) aluminum-based devices, which are well described in the literature. In addition, electronic structure calculations based on density functional theory help to establish the connection between this results and the presence of heavy central ions in the different complexes.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2014

Phase transitions in double perovskite Sr{sub 2}ScSbO{sub 6}: An Ab-initio study

First Principles study of the electronic properties of recently synthesized double perovskite Sr{sub 2}ScSbO{sub 6} have been performed using density functional theory. With increasing temperature, the Sr compound undergoes three structural phase transitions at 400K, 550K and 650K approximately, leading to the following sequence of phases: P21/n → I2/m → I4/m → Fm-3m. Starting from the monoclinic phase P21/n at room temperature, resulting from the Sc/Sb ordering, the electronic structure for the tetragonal I4/m at 613K and cubic Fm-3m for T≥660K has been studied in terms of the density of states and band-structure. Presence of large band gap, both direct and indirect, has been reported and analyzed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Intra- and inter-atomic optical transitions of Fe, Co, and Ni ferrocyanides studied using first-principles many-electron calculations

We have investigated the electronic structures and optical properties of Fe, Co, and Ni ferrocyanide nanoparticles using first-principles relativistic many-electron calculations. The overall features of the theoretical absorption spectra for Fe, Ni, and Co ferrocyanides calculated using a first-principles many-electron method well reproduced the experimental one. The origins of the experimental absorption spectra were clarified by performing a configuration analysis based on the many-electron wave functions. For Fe ferrocyanide, the experimental absorption peaks originated from not only the charge-transfer transitions from Fe{sup 2+} to Fe{sup 3+} but also the 3d-3d intra-transitions of Fe{sup 3+} ions. In addition, the spin crossover transition of Fe{sup 3+} predicted by the many-electron calculations was about 0.24 eV. For Co ferrocyanide, the experimental absorption peaks were mainly attributed to the 3d-3d intra-transitions of Fe{sup 2+} ions. In contrast to the Fe and Co ferrocyanides, Ni ferrocyanide showed that the absorption peaks originated from the 3d-3d intra-transitions of Ni{sup 3+} ions in a low-energy region, while from both the 3d-3d intra-transitions of Fe{sup 2+} ions and the charge-transfer transitions from Fe{sup 2+} to Ni{sup 3+} in a high-energy region. These results were quite different from those of density-functional theory (DFT) calculations. The discrepancy between the results of DFT calculations and those of many-electron calculations suggested that the intra- and inter-atomic transitions of transition metal ions are significantly affected by the many-body effects of strongly correlated 3d electrons.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2015

Structural, electronic and mechanical properties of rare earth nitride-ErN: A first principles study

The structural, electronic and mechanical properties of rare earth nitride ErN is investigated by the first principles calculations based on density functional theory using the Vienna ab-initio simulation package. At ambient pressure ErN is stable in the ferromagnetic state with NaCl structure. The calculated lattice parameters are in good agreement with the available results. The electronic structure reveals that ErN is half metallic at normal pressure. A pressure-induced structural phase transition from NaCl (B1) to CsCl (B2) phase is observed in ErN. Ferromagnetic to non magnetic phase transition is predicted in ErN at high pressure.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2010

Ensemble v-representable ab initio density-functional calculation of energy and spin in atoms: A test of exchange-correlation approximations

The total energies and the spin states for atoms and their first ions with Z=1-86 are calculated within the the local spin-density approximation (LSDA) and the generalized-gradient approximation (GGA) to the exchange-correlation (xc) energy in density-functional theory. Atoms and ions for which the ground-state density is not pure-state v-representable are treated as ensemble v-representable with fractional occupations of the Kohn-Sham system. A recently developed algorithm which searches over ensemble v-representable densities [E. Kraisler et al., Phys. Rev. A 80, 032115 (2009)] is employed in calculations. It is found that for many atoms, the ionization energies obtained with the GGA are only modestly improved with respect to experimental data, as compared to the LSDA. However, even in those groups of atoms where the improvement is systematic, there remains a non-negligible difference with respect to the experiment. The ab initio electronic configuration in the Kohn-Sham reference system does not always equal the configuration obtained from the spectroscopic term within the independent-electron approximation. It was shown that use of the latter configuration can prevent the energy-minimization process from converging to the global minimum, e.g., in lanthanides. The spin values calculated ab initio fit the experiment for most atoms and are almost unaffected by the choice of the xc functional. Among the systems with incorrectly obtained spin, there exist some cases (e.g., V, Pt) for which the result is found to be stable with respect to small variations in the xc approximation. These findings suggest a necessity for a significant modification of the exchange-correlation functional, probably of a nonlocal nature, to accurately describe such systems.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2024

Prediction of photodynamics of 200 nm excited cyclobutanone with linear response electronic structure and ab initio multiple spawning

Simulations of photochemical reaction dynamics have been a challenge to the theoretical chemistry community for some time. In an effort to determine the predictive character of current approaches, we predict the results of an upcoming ultrafast diffraction experiment on the photodynamics of cyclobutanone after excitation to the lowest lying Rydberg state (S 2 ). A picosecond of nonadiabatic dynamics is described with ab initio multiple spawning. Herein we use both time dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) and equation-of-motion coupled cluster singles and doubles (EOM-CCSD) theory for the underlying electronic structure theory. We find that the lifetime of the S 2 state is more than a picosecond (with both TDDFT and EOM-CCSD). The predicted ultrafast electron diffraction spectrum exhibits numerous structural features, but weak time dependence over the course of the simulations.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2014

Pressure induced tetragonal to monoclinic transition in RbN{sub 3} studied from first principles theory

Alkali metal azides are well known for their application as explosives and gas generators. They are used as precursors in synthesis of polymeric nitrogen, an ultimate green high energy density material. Among the alkali metal azides, rubidium azide RbN{sub 3} crystallizes in tetragonal structure with linear azide ions arranged in layers and binds through weak dispersive interactions. In this present work, we have studied the structural stability, electronic structure and optical properties of solid RbN{sub 3} by using van der Waals corrected density functional theory. We find that the ambient tetragonal structure undergoes a structural transition to monoclinic structure at 0.72 GPa, which is in good agreement with the experimental transition pressure of less than 1 GPa. The phonon frequencies at the gamma point are calculated and found that the lattice mode Eg softens under pressure which may supports the structural phase transition. The electronic band structure and optical properties are calculated by using Tran Blaha-modified Becke Johnson (TB-mBJ) functional and found that solid RbN{sub 3} is an insulator with a gap of 5.976 eV and the optical absorption starts with the UV light of wave length 207.5 nm.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2013

Determination of the individual atomic site contribution to the electronic structure of 3,4,9,10-perylene-tetracarboxylic-dianhydride (PTCDA)

We have studied the element and orbital-specific electronic structure of thin films of 3,4,9,10-perylene-tetracarboxylic-dianhydride (PTCDA) using a combination of synchrotron radiation-exited resonant x-ray emission spectroscopy, x-ray absorption spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, as well as density functional theory calculations. Resonant and non-resonant x-ray emission spectroscopies were used to measure the C and O 2p partial densities of state in PTCDA. Furthermore, resonant x-ray emission at the C and O K-edges is shown to be able to measure the partial densities of states associated with individual atomic sites. The flat molecular orientation of PTCDA on various substrates is explained in terms of the carbonyl O atom acting as a hydrogen-bond acceptor leading to multiple in-plane intermolecular C=O···H−C hydrogen bonding between carbonyl groups and the perylene core of the neighboring PTCDA molecules. We support this conclusion by comparison of our calculations to measurements of the electronic structure using element-, site-, and orbital-selective C and O K-edge resonant x-ray emission spectroscopy, and photoemission spectroscopy.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2017

Atomic and electronic structure of the CdTe(111)B–(2√3 × 4) orthogonal surface

The atomic and electronic structure of four variants of Te-terminated CdTe(111)B–(2√3 × 4) orthogonal polar surface (ideal, relaxed, reconstructed, and reconstructed with subsequent relaxation) are calculated ab initio for the first time. The surface is modeled by a film composed of 12 atomic layers with a vacuum gap of ~16 Å in the layered superlattice approximation. To close Cd dangling bonds on the opposite side of the film, 24 fictitious hydrogen atoms with a charge of 1.5 electrons each are added. Ab initio calculations are performed using the Quantum Espresso program based on density functional theory. It is demonstrated that relaxation leads to splitting of the four upper layers. The band energy structures and total and layer-by-layer densities of electronic states for the four surface variants are calculated and analyzed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Energy level alignment at molecule-metal interfaces from an optimally tuned range-separated hybrid functional

The alignment of the frontier orbital energies of an adsorbed molecule with the substrate Fermi level at metal-organic interfaces is a fundamental observable of significant practical importance in nanoscience and beyond. Typical density functional theory calculations, especially those using local and semi-local functionals, often underestimate level alignment leading to inaccurate electronic structure and charge transport properties. Here, we develop a new fully self-consistent predictive scheme to accurately compute level alignment at certain classes of complex heterogeneous molecule-metal interfaces based on optimally tuned range-separated hybrid functionals. Starting from a highly accurate description of the gas-phase electronic structure, our method by construction captures important nonlocal surface polarization effects via tuning of the long-range screened exchange in a range-separated hybrid in a non-empirical and system-specific manner. We implement this functional in a plane-wave code and apply it to several physisorbed and chemisorbed molecule-metal interface systems. Our results are in quantitative agreement with experiments, the both the level alignment and work function changes. This approach constitutes a new practical scheme for accurate and efficient calculations of the electronic structure of molecule-metal interfaces.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Experimental and first principle studies on electronic structure of BaTiO{sub 3}

We have carried out photoemission experiments to obtain valence band spectra of various crystallographic symmetries of BaTiO{sub 3} system which arise as a function of temperature. We also present results of a detailed first principle study of these symmetries of BaTiO{sub 3} using generalized gradient approximation for the exchange-correlation potential. Here we present theoretical results of density of states obtained from DFT based simulations to compare with the experimental valence band spectra. Further, we also perform calculations using post density functional approaches like GGA + U method as well as non-local hybrid exchange-correlation potentials like PBE0, B3LYP, HSE in order to understand the extent of effect of correlation on band gaps of different available crystallographic symmetries (5 in number) of BaTiO{sub 3}.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗