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Yarkony, D. R.

Publications and source records attributed to Yarkony, D. R..

A hybrid method for improving MCSCF convergence

It has been found that the convergence problems for many ill conditioned single-configuration SCF calculations arise from mixing among only a small number of orbitals. This orbital set includes the highest closed, the partially filled, and (possibly) a few of the lowest virtual orbitals. The fact that convergence problems can be, in very large measure, linked to a small orbital set is used to design a hybrid MCSCF procedure in which these orbitals are treated using a second-order MCSCF method, while other mixings are treated with a lower-order method which avoids the time consuming integral transformation. Tests on BeO show that the hybrid method yields convergence even when the simple lower-order treatment diverges. The method is expected to facilitate determination of MCSCF wave functions for large basis problems and for the construction of potential energy surfaces.

Bauschlicher, C. W., Jr.

On the low-lying states of MgO. II

Using a double zeta plus polarization basis set of Slater orbitals, full valence MCSCF (FVMCSCF) calculations were performed for the low-lying states of MgO. For each state the FVMCSCF calculations were used to identify the important configurations which are then used in the MCSCF calculation and subsequently as references in a single and double excitation CI calculation. This approach is found to treat all states equivalently, with the maximum error in the computed transition energies and equilibrium bond lengths of 800/cm and approximately 0.03 A, respectively. The b 3 Sigma + state which has yet to be characterized experimentally is predicted to have a transition energy of approximately 8300/cm and a bond length of 1.79 A. A spectroscopic analysis of the potential curves indicates that their shapes are in quite reasonable agreement with the range of experimental results.

Bauschlicher, C. W., Jr.

On the low lying singlet states of BeO

Calculations of the ground and low-lying singlet states of BeO are performed in order to gain an understanding of the techniques needed to treat the excited states of other, more complex, ionic molecules. The MCSCF and CI calculations are based on a Gaussian basis set of slightly better than double zeta plus polarization quality for single configuration descriptions of the states. The calculated X-A and X-B state separations are found to be in agreement with experimental measurements. The 1 Sigma - and 1 Delta states are predicted to lie approximately 40,000 kaysers above the ground state and are identified as the C and D states.The 2 1 Pi state is found to be approximately 15,000 kaysers and the 3 1 Sigma + state is found to be approximately 65,000 kaysers above the ground state.

Bauschlicher, C. W., Jr.

An SCF and MCSCF description of the low-lying states of MgO

The paper presents the multiconfiguration-self-consistent (MCSCF) and configuration state functions (CSF) for the low-lying electronic states of MgO. It was shown that simple description of these states was possible provided the 1 Sigma(+) states are individually optimized at the MCSCF level, noting that the 1(3 Sigma)(+) and 2(1 Sigma)(+) states which nominally result from the same electron occupation are separated energetically. The molecular orbitals obtained at this level of approximation should provide a useful starting point for extended configuration interaction calculations since they have been optimized for the particular states of interest.

Bauschlicher, C. W., Jr.

MCSCF wave functions for excited states of polar molecules - Application to BeO

A previously reported multi-configuration self-consistent field (MCSCF) algorithm based on the generalized Brillouin theorem is extended in order to treat the excited states of polar molecules. In particular, the algorithm takes into account the proper treatment of nonorthogonality in the space of single excitations and invokes, when necessary, a constrained optimization procedure to prevent the variational collapse of excited states. In addition, a configuration selection scheme (suitable for use in conjunction with extended configuration interaction methods) is proposed for the MCSCF procedure. The algorithm is used to study the low-lying singlet states of BeO, a system which has not previously been studied using an MCSCF procedure. MCSCF wave functions are obtained for three 1 Sigma + and two 1 Pi states. The 1 Sigma + results are juxtaposed with comparable results for MgO in order to assess the generality of the description presented here.

Bauschlicher, C. W., Jr.

On the electronic structure of the 2 1A1 state of methylene

The electronic structure of the 2 1A1 state of methylene is studied using multiconfiguration self-consistent-field and extended configuration interaction wavefunctions, as a prelude to a detailed investigation of the role of excited states in the chemistry of carbenes. Using selected one-electron properties as a guide, correlated wavefunctions obtained by different approaches are compared for the purpose of establishing qualitative differences between 1 1A1 and 2 1A1 states.

Bauschlicher, C. W., Jr.

Electronic structure of CaO. I

Electronic wavefunctions for 15 states of CaO arising (nominally) from six electron occupancies are calculated at the single configuration (sc) SCF level and analyzed qualitatively in terms of Mulliken populations and an approximate overlap criterion. The accuracy of the sc approximation is assessed and shown to be highly inadequate in several cases. Approximate Te's are extracted from these results when warranted by the quality of the sc wavefunctions. An improved two configuration wavefunction for the lowest 1 Sigma + state is also determined and discussed in detail.

Bauschlicher, C. W., Jr.