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Results for “time dependant density functional theory”

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At least 289 records · Page 16

All-electron, density-functional-based method for angle-resolved tunneling ionization in the adiabatic regime

Here we develop and test a method that integrates many-electron weak-field asymptotic theory (ME-WFAT) [O. I. Tolstikhin, L. B. Madsen, and T. Morishita, Phys. Rev. A 89, 013421 (2014)] in the integral representation (IR) into the density-functional-theory (DFT) framework. In particular, we present modifications of the integral formula in the IR ME-WFAT to incorporate the potential terms unique to DFT. By solving an adiabatic rate equation for the angle-resolved ionization yield in our DFT-based ME-WFAT method, we show that the results are in excellent agreement with those of real-time time-dependent density-functional-theory (TDDFT) simulations for NO, OCS, C⁢H 3 ⁢Br, and C⁢H 3 ⁢Cl interacting with one- and two-color laser fields with a fundamental wavelength of 800 nm. This agreement is significant because the WFAT calculations take only a small fraction of the time of full TDDFT calculations. These results suggest that in the wavelength region commonly used in strong-field experiments (800 nm and longer), our DFT-based WFAT treatment can be used to rapidly screen for the ionization properties of a large number of molecules as a function of alignment or orientation between the molecule and the strong field.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Screened Range-Separated Hybrid Functional with Polarizable Continuum Model Overcomes Challenges in Describing Triplet Excitations in the Condensed Phase Using TDDFT

Long range-corrected (LRC) or range-separated hybrid (RSH) functionals where the long-range (LR) limit of electronic interactions is set to the exact exchange have been shown to correct the tendency of traditional density functional theory (DFT) to underestimate the frontier orbital gap. Consequently, the use of such functionals in calculating electronic excited states using linear response based time-dependent DFT (TDDFT) has been successful in correcting the tendency for underestimating the energies of charge transfer states by DFT-based calculations. More recently formulations of functionals that attenuate the LR limit to address condensed-phase effects to polarize the electronic density have been reported. In particular screened RSH (SRSH) combined with polarizable continuum model (PCM) was benchmarked successfully in reproducing the fundamental gap and charge transfer state energies of molecular systems in the condensed phase. Here we use SRSH-PCM to address triplet excited states, and show its success in obtaining correspondence of the low-lying triplet states to the singlet–triplet gap in a similar way that the fundamental orbital gap corresponds to electron removal and addition energies. Importantly, the accuracy of the SRSH-PCM in calculating triplet excitations stands on the polarization consistent framework in addressing the scalar dielectric constant and without affecting the optimal tuning by triplet energies. Finally, the prospect of even further improving the SRSH-PCM accuracy in calculating triplet states can be achieved by optimal tuning on the basis of the spin multiplicity gap.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Dynamical structure factors of warm dense matter from time-dependent orbital-free and mixed-stochastic-deterministic density functional theory

Abstract We present the first calculations of the inelastic part of the dynamical structure factor (DSF) for warm dense matter (WDM) using time-dependent orbital-free density functional theory (TD-OF-DFT) and mixed-stochastic-deterministic (mixed) Kohn Sham TD-DFT (KS TD-DFT). WDM is an intermediate phase of matter found in planetary cores and laser-driven experiments, where the accurate calculation of the DSF is critical for interpreting x-ray Thomson scattering measurements. Traditional TD-DFT methods, while highly accurate, are computationally expensive, motivating the exploration of TD-OF-DFT and mixed TD-KS-DFT as more efficient alternatives. We applied these methods to experimentally measured WDM systems, including solid-density aluminum and beryllium, compressed beryllium, and carbon–hydrogen mixtures. Our results show that TD-OF-DFT requires a dynamical kinetic energy potential in order to qualitatively capture the plasmon response. Additionally, it struggles with capturing bound electron contributions. In contrast, mixed TD-KS-DFT offers greater accuracy in distinguishing bound and free electron effects, aligning well with experimental data, though at a higher computational cost. This study highlights the trade-offs between computational efficiency and accuracy, demonstrating that TD-OF-DFT remains a valuable tool for rapid scans of parameter space, while mixed TD-KS-DFT should be preferred for high-fidelity simulations. Our findings provide insight into the future development of DFT methods for WDM and suggest potential improvements for TD-OF-DFT.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Characterizing particle-like charge-migration dynamics with high-order harmonic sideband spectroscopy

Here, we introduce high-order harmonic sideband spectroscopy and show that it can be a robust probe of charge migration (CM) in a halogenated carbon-chain molecule. We simulate both the CM and high-order harmonic generation (HHG) dynamics using ab initio time-dependent density-functional theory. We find that CM dynamics initiated along the molecular backbone induces sidebands in the HHG spectrum driven by a delayed laser pulse that is polarized perpendicular to the molecular axis. Monitoring the spectrum as either the HHG laser frequency or the relative delay is scanned allows for the extraction of detailed information about the time-domain characteristics of the CM process.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

Second Linear Response Theory and the Analytic Calculation of Excited-State Properties

We present a method based on second linear response time-dependent density func- tional theory (TDDFT) to calculate permanent and transition multipoles of excited states, which are required to compute excited-state absorption/emission spectra, multi- photon optical processes, among others. In previous work, we examined computations based on second linear response theory in which linear response TDDFT was employed twice. In contrast, the present methodology only requires information from a single linear response calculation to compute the excited-state properties. These are eval- uated analytically through various algebraic operations involving electron repulsion integrals and excitation vectors. The present derivation focuses on full many-body wave functions instead of single orbitals, as in our previous approach. Here, we test the proposed method by applying it to several diatomic and triatomic molecules. This shows that the computed excited-state dipoles are consistent with respect to reference equation-of-motion coupled cluster calculations.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Optical subpicosecond nonvolatile switching and electron-phonon coupling in ferroelectric materials

Direct optical ferroelectric switching (FE switch) has the advantage of being ultrafast over the traditional FE switch, which relies on domain nucleation and growth. However, how to realize nonvolatility in such an optical FE switch poses a serious challenge. Time-dependent density-functional theory molecular dynamics study reveals that subpicosecond nonvolatile FE switches can be realized in GeTe and PbTiO 3 . Here, while optical tuning of the transition barrier and initiation of a directional atomic motion are crucial, the dephasing of the excited state holds the key for the realization of nonvolatility.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Dynamics of ballistic photocurrents driven by Coulomb scattering in a two-dimensional material

First-principles real-time time-dependent density-functional theory (rt-TDDFT) calculations reveal the existence of ballistic photocurrents generated by Coulomb scattering, which has not previously been considered as a mechanism for the bulk photovoltaic effect. With monolayer GeS as an example, it is predicted that ballistic currents can be comparable to shift currents under experimentally accessible conditions.

2-dimensional systems↗

Group Conductivity and Nonadiabatic Born Effective Charges of Disordered Metals, Warm Dense Matter, and Hot Dense Plasma

The average ionization state is a critical parameter in plasma models for charged particle transport, equations of state, and optical response. The dynamical or nonadiabatic Born effective charge (NBEC), calculated via first principles time-dependent density-functional theory, provides exact ionic partitioning of bulk electron response for both metallic and insulating materials. The NBEC can be transformed into a “group conductivity,” i.e., the electron conductivity ascribed to a subset of ions. We show that for disordered metallic systems, such as warm dense matter (WDM) and hot dense plasma, the static limit of the NBEC is different from the average ionization states, but that the ionization state can be extracted from the group conductivity even in mixed systems. Here we demonstrate this approach using a set of archetypical examples, including cold and warm aluminium, low- and high-density WDM carbon, and a WDM carbon-beryllium-hydrogen mixture.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Bidentate Lewis bases are preferred for passivation of MAPbI 3 surfaces: A time-domain ab initio analysis

We report chemical passivation is a predominant approach to inhibit intrinsic defects responsible for electron–hole recombination in perovskite solar cells. Using time-domain density functional theory combined with nonadiabatic molecular dynamics, we demonstrate defect passivation by separation of electrons and holes in metal halide perovskites (MHPs), and show that bidentate ligands exhibit the best performance. Defects in traditional semiconductors create deep midgap states, and passivation eliminates these states. In contrast, common defects produce no deep midgap states in MHPs. Instead, defects localize electrons and holes around defect sites, enhancing electron–hole interaction. Defect passivation in MHPs acts to separate charges, decreasing electron–hole and charge–phonon interactions, and increasing charge lifetimes. Bidentate ligands work best, because they can passivate both unsaturated chemical bonds created due to vacancy defects. Bidentate ligands with spatially separated binding sites are preferred, since they provide better match to the sparse inorganic lattice of MHPs. Similar to the Lewis base ligands, water also acts as a ligand and extends charge lifetimes, with the oxygen atom donating its lone electron pair to the defect site. However, water accelerates chemical degradation of MHPs. The binding energy of most ligands is larger than that of water, and therefore, the ligands displace water, increase MHP stability and prolong carrier lifetimes. The established physical mechanism of defect passivation, and the specific principles guiding the choice of passivating molecules advance our understanding of the exceptional properties of MHPs and suggest routes for further improvement of MHP performance in solar energy and optoelectronic applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Real-Time Time-Dependent Electronic Structure Theory

Real-time electronic structure methods provide an unprecedented view of electron dynamics and ultrafast spectroscopy on the atto- and femtosecond time scale with vast potential to yield new insights into the electronic behavior of molecules and materials. Here, we discuss the fundamental theory underlying various real-time electronic structure methods as well as advantages and disadvantages of each. We give an overview of the numerical techniques that are widely used for real-time propagation of the quantum electron dynamics with an emphasis on Gaussian basis set methods. We also showcase many of the chemical applications and scientific advances made by using real-time electronic structure calculations and provide an outlook of possible new directions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Geometric phase in coupled cluster theory

It has been well-established that the topography around conical intersections between excited electronic states is incorrectly described by coupled cluster and many other single reference theories (the intersections are “defective”). Despite this, we show both analytically and numerically that the geometric phase effect (GPE) is correctly reproduced upon traversing a path around a defective excited-state conical intersection (CI) in coupled cluster theory. The theoretical analysis is carried out by using a non-Hermitian generalization of the linear vibronic coupling approach. Interestingly, the approach qualitatively explains the characteristic (incorrect) shape of the defective CIs and CI seams. Moreover, the validity of the approach and the presence of the GPE indicate that defective CIs are local (and not global) artifacts. This implies that a sufficiently accurate coupled cluster method could predict nuclear dynamics, including geometric phase effects, as long as the nuclear wavepacket never gets too close to the conical intersections.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Mechanism of the Non‐Kasha Fluorescence in Pyrene

The high-energy shoulder in the gas-phase fluorescence emission spectrum of pyrene is a well-known example of non-Kasha emission. Here, we comparatively assess two approaches, vibronic perturbation theory and nonadiabatic dynamics, in their ability to predict and explain the gas-phase fluorescence spectrum of pyrene. While both methods qualitatively capture the non-Kasha emission, they differ in their computational requirements, accuracy, and physical interpretation. Vibronic perturbation theory and nonadiabatic dynamics are complementary and can be combined in a two-step approach to non-Kasha fluorescence.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Ultrafast Jahn‐Teller Photoswitching in Cobalt Single‐Ion Magnets

Abstract Single‐ion magnets (SIMs) constitute the ultimate size limit in the quest for miniaturizing magnetic materials. Several bottlenecks currently hindering breakthroughs in quantum information and communication technologies could be alleviated by new generations of SIMs displaying multifunctionality. Here, ultrafast optical absorption spectroscopy and X‐ray emission spectroscopy are employed to track the photoinduced spin‐state switching of the prototypical complex [Co(terpy) 2 ] 2+ (terpy = 2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridine) in solution phase. The combined measurements and their analysis supported by density functional theory (DFT), time‐dependent‐DFT (TD‐DFT) and multireference quantum chemistry calculations reveal that the complex undergoes a spin‐state transition from a tetragonally elongated doublet state to a tetragonally compressed quartet state on the femtosecond timescale, i.e., it sustains ultrafast Jahn‐Teller (JT) photoswitching between two different spin multiplicities. Adding new Co‐based complexes as possible contenders in the search for JT photoswitching SIMs will greatly widen the possibilities for implementing magnetic multifunctionality and eventually controlling ultrafast magnetization with optical photons.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

In-situ/operando X-ray absorption spectroscopic investigation of the electrode/electrolyte interface on the molecular scale

A method for performing X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) in the soft X-ray region was developed to investigate the surface-sensitive electron signal of electrode/electrolyte interfaces in common multivalent based organic solvents under in situ/operando conditions. Our approach enables us to probe the molecular-scale structure of electrode interfaces by measuring total electron yield and is suitable for redox systems exhibiting low intrinsic electrochemical current. In-situ F K-edge XAS measurements in a 0.5 M Magnesium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonimide)/2-Methyltetrahydrofuran (Mg(TFSI) 2 /2-MeTHF) electrolyte were carried out to determine the evolution of interfacial species during the electrochemical charging/discharging process. Time-dependent density-functional theory (TD-DFT) simulation indicate that the F K-edge evolution is the result of interfacial chemical environment change driven by electrochemical potential. In addition, we performed the “operando XAS” which runs the CV and collects spectra simultaneously. Furthermore, by using this method, the non-equilibrium state of condensed matter interfaces and interfacial dynamical transient process can be revealed.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Ab initio quantum dynamics of plasmonic charge carriers

Surface plasmons respond strongly to electric fields and generate energetic (hot) charge carriers that can be used in optoelectronic devices. However, utilization of hot carriers has to outcompete fast carrier relaxation in metals. Often, the reported efficiencies of nanoscale devices based on plasmon excitations are low and the mechanisms of device operation remain inconsistent within the field. Further developments hinge on fundamental understanding of the nature and kinetics of plasmon decay processes. In this work, we provide an overview of time domain ab initio modeling of hot carrier dynamics, demonstrating that atomistic details of the surface structure of plasmonic materials, and their chemical interaction with semiconducting and molecular charge acceptors and substrates, play key roles in governing the dynamics pathways. Considered case studies represent various dynamics channels and illustrate solar energy and optoelectronic applications.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Earth Mover’s Distance as a Metric to Evaluate the Extent of Charge Transfer in Excitations Using Discretized Real-Space Densities

This paper presents a novel theoretical measure, μ EMD , based on the earth mover's distance (EMD), for quantifying the density shift caused by electronic excitations in molecules. As input, the EMD metric uses only the discretized ground- and excited-state electron densities in real space, rendering it compatible with almost all electronic structure methods used to calculate excited states. The EMD metric is compared against other popular theoretical metrics for describing the extent of electron-hole separation in a wide range of excited states (valence, Rydberg, charge transfer, etc.). Further, the results showcase the EMD metric's effectiveness across all excitation types and suggest that it is useful as an additional tool to characterize electronic excitations. The study also reveals that μ EMD can function as a promising diagnostic tool for predicting the failure of pure exchange-correlation functionals. Specifically, we show statistical relationships among the functional-driven errors, the exact exchange content within the functional, and the magnitude of μ EMD values.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗