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DOE OSTI2020

Coupled Cluster Green's function formulations based on the effective Hamiltonians

In this work, we demonstrate that the effective Hamiltonians obtained with the downfolding procedure based on double unitary coupled cluster (DUCC) ansatz can be used in the context of Green’s function coupled cluster (GFCC) formalism to calculate spectral functions of molecular systems. This combined approach (DUCC-GFCC) provides a significant reduction of numerical effort and good agreement with the corresponding all-orbital GFCC methods in energy windows that are consistent with the choice of active space. These features are demonstrated on the example of two benchmark systems: H 2 O and N 2 , where DUCC-GFCC calculations were performed for active spaces of various sizes.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2015

Properties of aqueous nitrate and nitrite from x-ray absorption spectroscopy

Nitrate and nitrite ions are of considerable interest, both for their widespread use in commercial and research contexts and because of their central role in the global nitrogen cycle. The chemistry of atmospheric aerosols, wherein nitrate is abundant, has been found to depend on the interfacial behavior of ionic species. The interfacial behavior of ions is determined largely by their hydration properties; consequently, the study of the hydration and interfacial behavior of nitrate and nitrite comprises a significant field of study. In this work, we describe the study of aqueous solutions of sodium nitrate and nitrite via X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), interpreted in light of first-principles density functional theory electronic structure calculations. Experimental and calculated spectra of the nitrogen K-edge XA spectra of bulk solutions exhibit a large 3.7 eV shift between the XA spectra of nitrate and nitrite resulting from greater stabilization of the nitrogen 1s energy level in nitrate. A similar shift is not observed in the oxygen K-edge XA spectra of NO{sub 3}{sup −} and NO{sub 2}{sup −}. The hydration properties of nitrate and nitrite are found to be similar, with both anions exhibiting a similar propensity towards ion pairing.

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

A medium-energy photoemission and ab-initio investigation of cubic yttria-stabilised zirconia

Experimental and theoretical investigations into the electronic properties and structure of cubic yttria-stabilized zirconia are presented. Medium-energy x-ray photoemission spectroscopy measurements have been carried out for material with a concentration of 8-9 mol. % yttria. Resonant photoemission spectra are obtained for a range of photon energies that traverse the L2 absorption edge for both zirconium and yttrium. Through correlation with results from density-functional theory (DFT) calculations, based on structural models proposed in the literature, we assign photoemission peaks appearing in the spectra to core lines and Auger transitions. An analysis of the core level features enables the identification of shifts in the core level energies due to different local chemical environments of the constituent atoms. In general, each core line feature can be decomposed into three contributions, with associated energy shifts. Their identification with results of DFT calculations carried out for proposed atomic structures, lends support to these structural models. The experimental results indicate a multi-atom resonant photoemission effect between nearest-neighbour oxygen and yttrium atoms. Near-edge x-ray absorption fine structure spectra for zirconium and yttrium are also presented, which correlate well with calculated Zr- and Y-4d electron partial density-of-states and with Auger electron peak area versus photon energy curve.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2017

Application of B{sub 12}N{sub 12} and B{sub 12}P{sub 12} as two fullerene-like semiconductors for adsorption of halomethane: Density functional theory study

We examined and discussed the interaction of two halomethanes (mono-chloromethane (MCM), and mono-fluoromethane (MFM)) with B{sub 12}N{sub 12} and B{sub 12}P{sub 12} fullerene-like nanocages as semiconductor based on density functional theory (DFT). We calculated adsorption energies and followed the changes in the electronic structure of semiconductors upon adsorption of MCM and MFM. We found that the adsorption on the B{sub 12}N{sub 12} nano-cluster is energetically more favorable compared to B{sub 12}P{sub 12} nano-cluster. Also for both systems we found higher values of adsorption energy for MFM than for MCM. We found that upon adsorption of above-mentioned species on these two fullerene-like semiconductors, the HOMO–LUMO distributions and also the gap energy for each system did not change significantly, which correspond to the physisorption process. As a result, B{sub 12}N{sub 12} is a more appropriate nano-cluster to be used as a selective sensor for halomethanes, especially for MFM.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Half-metallic ferromagnetism in full-Heusler compounds ACaX{sub 2} (A = K and Rb; X = N and O)

Electronic structure and magnetic properties of hypothetical ACaX{sub 2} (A = K and Rb; X= N and O) compounds in full-Heusler phase have been investigated based on density functional theory (DFT) within the local density approximation (LDA). The electronic band structures and density of states of these compounds show that the spin-down electrons have metallic, and the spin-up electrons have a semi conducting gap resulting in stable half-metallic ferromagnetic behaviour. The strong spin polarization of 2p states of N and O atoms is found to be the origin of ferromagnetism which results in a total magnetic moment of 3{sub μB} and 1{sub μB} respectively.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2016

Real-space visualization of conformation-independent oligothiophene electronic structure

We present scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy (STM/STS) investigations of the electronic structures of different alkyl-substituted oligothiophenes on the Au(111) surface. STM imaging showed that on Au(111), oligothiophenes adopted distinct straight and bent conformations. By combining STS maps with STM images, we visualize, in real space, particle-in-a-box-like oligothiophene molecular orbitals. We demonstrate that different planar conformers with significant geometrical distortions of oligothiophene backbones surprisingly exhibit very similar electronic structures, indicating a low degree of conformation-induced electronic disorder. The agreement of these results with gas-phase density functional theory calculations implies that the oligothiophene interaction with the Au(111) surface is generally insensitive to molecular conformation.

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

Polymorphism and second harmonic generation in a novel diamond-like semiconductor: Li{sub 2}MnSnS{sub 4}

High-temperature, solid-state synthesis in the Li{sub 2}MnSnS{sub 4} system led to the discovery of two new polymorphic compounds that were analyzed using single crystal X-ray diffraction. The α-polymorph crystallizes in Pna2{sub 1} with the lithium cobalt (II) silicate, Li{sub 2}CoSiO{sub 4}, structure type, where Z=4, R1=0.0349 and wR2=0.0514 for all data. The β-polymorph possesses the wurtz-kesterite structure type, crystallizing in Pn with Z=2, R1=0.0423, and wR2=0.0901 for all data. Rietveld refinement of synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction was utilized to quantify the phase fractions of the polymorphs in the reaction products. The α/β-Li{sub 2}MnSnS{sub 4} mixture exhibits an absorption edge of ∼2.6–3.0 eV, a wide region of optical transparency in the mid- to far-IR, and moderate SHG activity over the fundamental range of 1.1–2.1 μm. Calculations using density functional theory indicate that the ground state energies and electronic structures for α- and β-Li{sub 2}MnSnS{sub 4}, as well as the hypothetical polymorph, γ-Li{sub 2}MnSnS{sub 4} with the wurtz-stannite structure type, are highly similar. - Graphical abstract: Two polymorphs, α- and β-Li{sub 2}MnSnS{sub 4}, have been discovered using single crystal X-ray diffraction. Rietveld refinement of synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction data indicates the presence of both polymorphs in the samples that were analyzed. - Highlights: • Li{sub 2}MnSnS{sub 4} exists as two polymorphs crystallizing in the Pna2{sub 1} and Pn space groups. • The α- and β-Li{sub 2}MnSnS{sub 4} mixture exhibits a moderate SHG response over a broad range. • The α- and β-Li{sub 2}MnSnS{sub 4} mixture exhibits an optical absorption edge of ∼2.6–3.0 eV. • Synchrotron powder diffraction data are necessary to distinguish α- and β-Li{sub 2}MnSnS{sub 4.} • Electronic structure calculations show similar total energies for α- and β-Li{sub 2}MnSnS{sub 4}.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2012

Intermetallic solid solution Fe{sub 1-x}Co{sub x}Ga{sub 3}: Synthesis, structure, NQR study and electronic band structure calculations

Unlimited solid solution Fe{sub 1-x}Co{sub x}Ga{sub 3} was prepared from Ga flux. Its crystal structure was refined for Fe{sub 0.5}Co{sub 0.5}Ga{sub 3} (P4{sub 2}/mnm, a=6.2436(9), c=6.4654(13), Z=4) and showed no ordering of the metal atoms. A combination of the electronic band structure calculations within the density functional theory (DFT) approach and {sup 69,71}Ga nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) spectroscopy clearly shows that the Fe-Fe and Co-Co dumbbells are preferred to the Fe-Co dumbbells in the crystals structure. The band structure features a band gap of about 0.4 eV, with the Fermi level crossing peaks of a substantial density of electronic states above the gap for x>0. The solid solution is metallic for x>0.025. The study of the nuclear spin-lattice relaxation shows that the rate of the relaxation, 1/T{sub 1}, is very sensitive to the Co concentration and correlates well with the square of the density of states at the Fermi level, N{sup 2}(E{sub F}). - Graphical abstract: Rate of the nuclear spin-lattice relaxation, 1/T{sub 1}, observed in the {sup 69}Ga NQR experiments for the intermetallic solid solution Fe{sub 1-x}Co{sub x}Ga{sub 3} is the highest for x=0.25 with the highest calculated density of electronic states at the Fermi level, N(E{sub F}); in general, 1/T{sub 1} correlates with N{sup 2}(E{sub F}). Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Fe{sub 1-x}Co{sub x}Ga{sub 3} solid solution is prepared in single crystalline form from Ga flux. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer In the crystal structure Fe-Fe and Co-Co dumbbells are preferred to Fe-Co dumbbells. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Metal-to-semiconductor transition occurs at 0<x<0.025. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer {sup 69,71}Ga NQR spectra efficiently probe local environment of two independent Ga atoms. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Rate of nuclear spin-lattice relaxation follows squared DOS at the Fermi level.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2012

O{sub 2}(a{sup 1}{Delta}{sub g}) + Mg, Fe, and Ca: Experimental kinetics and formulation of a weak collision, multiwell master equation with spin-hopping

The first excited electronic state of molecular oxygen, O{sub 2}(a{sup 1}{Delta}{sub g}), is formed in the upper atmosphere by the photolysis of O{sub 3}. Its lifetime is over 70 min above 75 km, so that during the day its concentration is about 30 times greater than that of O{sub 3}. In order to explore its potential reactivity with atmospheric constituents produced by meteoric ablation, the reactions of Mg, Fe, and Ca with O{sub 2}(a) were studied in a fast flow tube, where the metal atoms were produced either by thermal evaporation (Ca and Mg) or by pulsed laser ablation of a metal target (Fe), and detected by laser induced fluorescence spectroscopy. O{sub 2}(a) was produced by bubbling a flow of Cl{sub 2} through chilled alkaline H{sub 2}O{sub 2}, and its absolute concentration determined from its optical emission at 1270 nm (O{sub 2}(a{sup 1}{Delta}{sub g}- X{sup 3}{Sigma}{sub g}{sup -}). The following results were obtained at 296 K: k(Mg + O{sub 2}(a) + N{sub 2}{yields} MgO{sub 2}+ N{sub 2}) = (1.8 {+-} 0.2) Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -30} cm{sup 6} molecule{sup -2} s{sup -1}; k(Fe + O{sub 2}(a) {yields} FeO + O) = (1.1 {+-} 0.1) Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -13} cm{sup 3} molecule{sup -1} s{sup -1}; k(Ca + O{sub 2}(a) + N{sub 2}{yields} CaO{sub 2}+ N{sub 2}) = (2.9 {+-} 0.2) Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -28} cm{sup 6} molecule{sup -2} s{sup -1}; and k(Ca + O{sub 2}(a) {yields} CaO + O) = (2.7 {+-} 1.0) Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -12} cm{sup 3} molecule{sup -1} s{sup -1}. The total uncertainty in these rate coefficients, which mostly arises from the systematic uncertainty in the O{sub 2}(a) concentration, is estimated to be {+-}40%. Mg + O{sub 2}(a) occurs exclusively by association on the singlet surface, producing MgO{sub 2}({sup 1}A{sub 1}), with a pressure dependent rate coefficient. Fe + O{sub 2}(a), on the other hand, shows pressure independent kinetics. FeO + O is produced with a probability of only {approx}0.1%. There is no evidence for an association complex, suggesting that this reaction proceeds mostly by near-resonant electronic energy transfer to Fe(a{sup 5}F) + O{sub 2}(X). The reaction of Ca + O{sub 2}(a) occurs in an intermediate regime with two competing pressure dependent channels: (1) a recombination to produce CaO{sub 2}({sup 1}A{sub 1}), and (2) a singlet/triplet non-adiabatic hopping channel leading to CaO + O({sup 3}P). In order to interpret the Ca + O{sub 2}(a) results, we utilized density functional theory along with multireference and explicitly correlated CCSD(T)-F12 electronic structure calculations to examine the lowest lying singlet and triplet surfaces. In addition to mapping stationary points, we used a genetic algorithm to locate minimum energy crossing points between the two surfaces. Simulations of the Ca + O{sub 2}(a) kinetics were then carried out using a combination of both standard and non-adiabatic Rice-Ramsperger-Kassel-Marcus (RRKM) theory implemented within a weak collision, multiwell master equation model. In terms of atmospheric significance, only in the case of Ca does reaction with O{sub 2}(a) compete with O{sub 3} during the daytime between 85 and 110 km.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2025

Method-independent cusps for atomic orbitals in quantum Monte Carlo

Here, we present an approach for augmenting Gaussian atomic orbitals with correct nuclear cusps. Like the atomic orbital basis set itself and unlike previous cusp corrections, this approach is independent of the many-body method used to prepare wave functions for quantum Monte Carlo. Once the basis set and molecular geometry are specified, the cusp-corrected atomic orbitals are uniquely specified, regardless of which density functionals, quantum chemistry methods, or subsequent variational Monte Carlo optimizations are employed. We analyze the statistical improvement offered by these cusps in a number of molecules and find them to offer similar advantages as molecular-orbital-based approaches while remaining independent of the choice of many-body method.

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

The nature of interfaces and charge trapping sites in photocatalytic mixed-phase TiO{sub 2} from first principles modeling

Mixed phase rutile/anatase catalysts show increased reactivity compared with the pure phases alone. However, the mechanism causing this effect is not fully understood. The electronic properties of the interface and the relative energy of the electron in each phase play a key role in lowering the rate of recombination of electron hole pairs. Using density functional theory and the +U correction, we calculated the bands offsets between the phases taking into account the effect of the interface. Our model included several thousands atoms, and thus is a good representation of an interface between actual nanoparticles. We found rutile to have both higher conduction and valence band offsets than rutile, leading to an accumulation of electrons in the anatase phase accompanied by hole accumulation in the rutile phase. We also probed the electronic structure of our heterostructure and found a gap state caused by electrons localized in undercoordinated Ti atoms which were present within the interfacial region. Interfaces between bulk materials and between exposed surfaces both showed electron trapping at undercoordinated sites. These undercoordinated (typically four) atoms present localized electrons that could enable reduction reactions in the interfacial region, and could explain the increased reactivity of mixed-phase TiO{sub 2} photocatalyst materials.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2022

Prediction of correlation energies using variational subspace valence bond

In the variational subspace valence bond (VSVB) [G. D. Fletcher, J. Chem. Phys. 142, 134112 (2015)] method, the electronic orbitals comprising the wave function correspond to chemically meaningful objects, such as bonds, lone pairs, atomic cores, and so on. Selected regions of a molecule (for example, a single chemical bond, as opposed to all the bonds) can be modeled with different levels of basis set and possible methods for modeling correlation from the other regions. The interactions between the components of a molecule (say, a bond and a neighboring orbital) can then be studied in detail for their impact on a chemical phenomenon while avoiding the expense of necessarily applying the higher levels and methods to the entire molecule. Here, this work presents the theoretical basis for modeling correlation effects between specific electron pairs by incorporating terms in the inter-electronic coordinates (“r 12 ”) into VSVB. The approach is validated with calculations on small systems using single-reference wave functions.

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

Cation ordering and effect of biaxial strain in double perovskite CsRbCaZnCl{sub 6}

Here, we investigate the electronic structure, energetics of cation ordering, and effect of biaxial strain on double perovskite CsRbCaZnCl{sub 6} using first-principles calculations based on density functional theory. The two constituents (i.e., CsCaCl{sub 3} and RbZnCl{sub 3}) forming the double perovskite exhibit a stark contrast. While CsCaCl{sub 3} is known to exist in a cubic perovskite structure and does not show any epitaxial strain induced phase transitions within an experimentally accessible range of compressive strains, RbZnCl{sub 3} is thermodynamically unstable in the perovskite phase and exhibits ultra-sensitive response at small epitaxial strains if constrained in the perovskite phase. We show that combining the two compositions in a double perovskite structure not only improves overall stability but also the strain-polarization coupling of the material. Our calculations predict a ground state with P4/nmm space group for the double perovskite, where A-site cations (i.e., Cs and Rb) are layer-ordered and B-site cations (i.e., Ca and Zn) prefer a rocksalt type ordering. The electronic structure and bandgap in this system are shown to be quite sensitive to the B-site cation ordering and is minimally affected by the ordering of A-site cations. We find that at experimentally accessible compressive strains CsRbCaZnCl{sub 6} can be phase transformed from its paraelectric ground state to an antiferroelectric state, where Zn atoms contribute predominantly to the polarization. Furthermore, both energy difference and activation barrier for a transformation between this antiferroelectric state and the corresponding ferroelectric configuration are predicted to be small. The computational approach presented here opens a new pathway towards a rational design of novel double perovskites with improved strain response and functionalities.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2015

Half-metallic antiferromagnetism in double perovskite BiPbCrCuO{sub 6}

The electronic structure and magnetic properties of BiPbCrCuO{sub 6} double perovskite are investigated based on first-principles density functional calculations with generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and GGA incorporated with Coulomb correlation interaction U (GGA + U). The results suggest the half-metallic (HM) and antiferromagnetic (AFM) properties of BiPbCrCuO{sub 6} double perovskite. The HM-AFM property of the double perovskite is caused by the double-exchange mechanism between neighboring Cr{sup 5+}(t{sub 2g}{sup 1}↓) and Cu{sup 2+}(t{sub 2g}{sup 3}↑t{sub 2g}{sup 3}↓e{sub g}{sup 2}↑e{sub g}↓) via the intermediate O{sup 2−}(2s{sup 2}2p{sup 6}) ion.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2015

A first-principles study of Pt thin films on SrTiO{sub 3}(100): Support effects on CO adsorption

Density functional theory was used to study CO adsorption on thin Pt metal films supported on SrO- and TiO{sub 2}-terminated SrTiO{sub 3}(100) surfaces. Regardless of substrate-termination, significant enhancement in CO binding occurred on the Pt monolayer compared to the bulk Pt(100) surface. We also observed CO-coverage dependent shifting of Pt atoms, influenced by the nature of underlying oxide atoms. These oxide-induced effects become negligible after depositing more than 2 monolayers of Pt. Evaluating the electronic structures of oxide-supported Pt showed that the interaction of filled Pt d{sub xz+yz} and empty Pt d{sub z{sup 2}} states with CO molecular orbitals can be directly related to CO adsorption on the Pt/SrTiO{sub 3}(100) surface. A hybrid d-band model is able to capture the CO adsorption trends for systems that do not show large lateral distortion except for the case of Pt adsorbed above the Sr atom on the SrO-termination. For this case, charge transfer from adjacent Pt atoms leads to a large filled d{sub z{sup 2}} peak below the Fermi level that weakens the Pt–CO σ bonding due to Pauli repulsion.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2018

Insight into Phase Transition, Electronic, Magnetic, Mechanical, and Thermodynamic Properties of TbTe: a DFT Investigation

Theoretical investigation on TbTe for its structural, electronic, magnetic, and thermodynamic stuffs has been carried within density functional theory (DFT) as implemented in WIEN2K code. TbTe was found stable in ferromagnetic phase. The calculated ground-state parameters were found in a good agreement with the experimental data. The compound was found to have a structural stability in cubic B1 (NaCl-type structure) phase, but under the application of high pressure (at 27 GPa), it undergone to B2 (CsCl-type structure) phase of pressure. The second-order elastic constants and mechanical properties like Young’s modulus, Shear modulus, Poisson ratio, Cauchy pressure (C{sub 12}–C{sub 44}), and Pugh’s ratio (B/G) were calculated. The present calculations confirmed the ductile nature of TbTe. Further, the thermodynamic investigations have been carried using quasi-harmonic Debye approximation. We have calculated the pressure and temperature dependence of Debye temperature (𝜃{sub D}), bulk modulus (B), thermal expansion (α), heat capacities (C{sub V}), and entropy (S) in the temperature range of 0 to 1000 K and pressure range of 0 to 25 GPa.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2015

PBE–DFT theoretical study of organic photovoltaic materials based on thiophene with 1D and 2D periodic boundary conditions

Conjugated organic systems such as thiophene are interesting topics in the field of organic solar cells. We theoretically investigate π-conjugated polymers constituted by n units (n = 1–11) based on the thiophene (Tn) molecule. The computations of the geometries and electronic structures of these compounds are performed using the density functional theory (DFT) at the 6–31 G(d, p) level of theory and the Perdew–Burke–Eenzerhof (PBE) formulation of the generalized gradient approximation with periodic boundary conditions (PBCs) in one (1D) and two (2D) dimensions. Moreover, the electronic properties (HOCO, LUCO, E{sub gap}, V{sub oc}, and V{sub bi}) are determined from 1D and 2D PBC to understand the effect of the number of rings in polythiophene. The absorption properties—excitation energies (E{sub ex}), the maximal absorption wavelength (λ{sub max}), oscillator strengths, and light harvesting—efficiency are studied using the time-dependent DFT method. Our studies show that changing the number of thiophene units can effectively modulate the electronic and optical properties. On the other hand, our work demonstrates the efficiency of theoretical calculation in the PBCs.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2017

First-principles study lone-pair effects of Sb (III)-S chromophore influence on SHG response in quaternary potassium containing silver antimony sulfides

First-principles studies of the geometric structures, electronic structures and optical properties of non-centrosymmetrical (NCS) KAg{sub 2}SbS{sub 4}, K{sub 2}AgSbS{sub 4} and K{sub 2}Ag{sub 3}Sb{sub 3}S{sub 7} and centrosymmetrical (CS) KAg{sub 2}SbS{sub 3} and K{sub 3}Ag{sub 9}Sb{sub 4}S{sub 12} have been performed by means of density functional theory. It is indicated that although they have similarity in their anionic groups and, the electronic structures, prominent features of the optical anisotropy or second-order nonlinear optical (NLO) susceptibilities are apparently different. The calculated birefringences are 0.0537, 0.0343, 0.1324, 0.2217 and 0.0604 which are attributed to the different anionic groups [SbS{sub 3}] and triangles [AgS{sub 3}]. Also, the calculated NLO responses are about 0.5×, 1.0× and 2.0× times than that commercial AgGaS{sub 2} (AGS, d{sub 36}=11 pm/V) for K{sub 2}AgSbS{sub 4}, KAg{sub 2}SbS{sub 4} and K{sub 2}Ag{sub 3}Sb{sub 3}S{sub 7}, respectively. In comparison with the absolute magnitude of second harmonic generation (SHG) coefficients, the order K{sub 2}Ag{sub 3}Sb{sub 3}S{sub 7}>KAg{sub 2}SbS{sub 4}>K{sub 2}AgSbS{sub 4} is clearly established in the SHG response. Further analysis based on the real-space atom-cutting method reveals that the main sources of the SHG properties of these compounds are from the Sb-S group, especially K{sub 2}Ag{sub 3}Sb{sub 3}S{sub 7} is mainly attributed to the lone pair stereochemical activity of Sb (III)-S group. - Graphical abstract: Compounds K{sub 2}AgSbS{sub 4}, KAg{sub 2}SbS{sub 4} and K{sub 2}Ag{sub 3}Sb{sub 3}S{sub 7} exhibit second-order NLO response: 15×, 30× and 62× times than that KDP (KH{sub 2}PO{sub 4}, d{sub 36}=0.39 pm/V), respectively. First-principles methods reveal that the large SHG response of K{sub 2}Ag{sub 3}Sb{sub 3}S{sub 7} is dominated by the Sb-S chromophore with lone pairs.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗