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At least 343 records · Page 19

Influence of Polymorphism on the Electronic Structure of Ga 2 O 3

The search for new wide-band-gap materials is intensifying to satisfy the need for more advanced and energy-efficient power electronic devices. Ga 2 O 3 has emerged as an alternative to SiC and GaN, sparking a renewed interest in its fundamental properties beyond the main β-phase. Here, three polymorphs of Ga 2 O 3 , α, β, and ε, are investigated using X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron and absorption spectroscopy, and ab initio theoretical approaches to gain insights into their structure–electronic structure relationships. Valence and conduction electronic structure as well as semicore and core states are probed, providing a complete picture of the influence of local coordination environments on the electronic structure. State-of-the-art electronic structure theory, including all-electron density functional theory and many-body perturbation theory, provides detailed understanding of the spectroscopic results. The calculated spectra provide very accurate descriptions of all experimental spectra and additionally illuminate the origin of observed spectral features. This paper provides a strong basis for the exploration of the Ga 2 O 3 polymorphs as materials at the heart of future electronic device generations.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Understanding flavin electronic structure and spectra

Abstract Flavins have emerged as central to electron bifurcation, signaling, and countless enzymatic reactions. In bifurcation, two electrons acquired as a pair are separated in coupled transfers wherein the energy of both is concentrated on one of the two. This enables organisms to drive demanding reactions based on abundant low‐grade chemical fuel. To enable incorporation of this and other flavin capabilities into designed materials and devices, it is essential to understand fundamental principles of flavin electronic structure that make flavins so reactive and tunable by interactions with protein. Emerging computational tools can now replicate spectra of flavins and are gaining capacity to explain reactivity at atomistic resolution, based on electronic structures. Such fundamental understanding can moreover be transferrable to other chemical systems. A variety of computational innovations have been critical in reproducing experimental properties of flavins including their electronic spectra, vibrational signatures, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) chemical shifts. A computational toolbox for understanding flavin reactivity moreover must be able to treat all five oxidation and protonation states, in addition to excited states that participate in flavoprotein's light‐driven reactions. Therefore, we compare emerging hybrid strategies and their successes in replicating effects of hydrogen bonding, the surrounding dielectric, and local electrostatics. These contribute to the protein's ability to modulate flavin reactivity, so we conclude with a survey of methods for incorporating the effects of the protein residues explicitly, as well as local dynamics. Computation is poised to elucidate the factors that affect a bound flavin's ability to mediate stunningly diverse reactions, and make life possible. This article is categorized under: Structure and Mechanism > Computational Biochemistry and Biophysics Electronic Structure Theory > Combined QM/MM Methods Theoretical and Physical Chemistry > Spectroscopy

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Ab initio study of the structural, electronic and optical properties of ZnTe compound

Structural, electronic and optical properties of ZnTe compound were calculated using Density Functional Theory (DFT) based on the pseudopotentials and planewaves (PP-PW) method as implemented in the ABINIT computer code, where the exchange–correlation functional is approximated using the local density approximation (LDA) and the generalized gradient approximation (GGA). The obtained results from either LDA or GGa calculation for lattice parameter, energy band gap and optical parameters, such as the fundamental absorption edge, the peaks observed in the imaginary part of the dielectric function, the macroscopic dielectric constants and the optical dielectric constant, are compared with the available theoretical results and experimental data.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Electronic Structure Engine

INQ is an engine for electronic structure calculations. INQ is implemented as a C++ library of components designed to build a parallel, portable code for electronic structure calculations, including ground state and excited states. INQ is based on density functional theory (DFT). It can calculate ground state properties in DFT, and also excited states using time-dependent DFT (TDDFT) in real-time and linear-response. It implements different approximations for the exchange and correlation part: semi-local functionals like LDAs, GGAs and metaGGAs, and hybrid functionals that are implemented through the ACE approach for fast execution.

ANDRADE-VALENCIA, XAVIERI↗

Electronic structure and reactivity studies of a nonsymmetric one-electron oxidized Cu II bis-phenoxide complex

Here, the tetradentate mixed imino/amino phenoxide ligand (N-(3,5-di- tert -butylsalicylidene)-N'-(2-hydroxyl-3,5-di-tert-butylbenzyl))- trans -1,2-cyclohexanediamine (salalen) was complexed with Cu II , and the resulting Cu complex (2) was characterized by a number of experimental techniques and theoretical calculations. Two quasi-reversible redox processes for 2, as observed by cyclic voltammetry, demonstrated the potential stability of oxidized forms, and also the increased electron-donating ability of the salalen ligand in comparison to the salen analogue. The electronic structure of the one-electron oxidized [2] + was studied in detail, and Cu K-edge X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) measurements confirmed a Cu II -phenoxyl radical complex in solution. Resonance Raman (rR) and variable temperature 1 H NMR studies, coupled with theoretical calculations, showed that [2 • ] + is a triplet (S = 1) Cu II -phenoxyl radical species, with localization of the radical on the more electron-rich aminophenoxide. Attempted isolation of X-ray quality crystals of [2 • ] + afforded [2H] + , with a protonated phenol bonded to Cu II , and an additional H-bonding interaction with the SbF 6 – counterion. Stoichiometric reaction of dilute solutions of [2 • ] + with benzyl alcohol showed that the complex reacts in a similar manner as the oxidized Cu II -salen analogue, and does not exhibit a substrate-binding pre-equilibrium as observed for the oxidized bis-aminophenoxide Cu II -salan derivative.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Surface preparation method for investigating the three-dimensional electronic structure of perovskite nickelates

The investigation of the electronic structures on perovskite oxides using surface-sensitive spectroscopy techniques is often hindered by their “uncleavable” nature, typically requiring expensive and complex in situ experimental setups that integrate the capabilities of sample synthesis and spectroscopy measurement under ultrahigh vacuum condition. Here, we address this challenge by developing an ozone-annealing process that yields atomically flat surfaces on perovskite oxide thin films, making them suitable for high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy measurements. Using this method, we present a three-dimensional electronic structure study of Nd 1−𝑥 ⁢Sr 𝑥 ⁢NiO 3 (𝑥=0 and 0.175) thin films with unprecedented accuracy. The experimentally determined low-energy fermiology exhibits quantitative agreements with two-band tight-binding simulations, which is further validated by first-principles calculations considering the material's actual crystal structure. This work provides an accessible approach for ex situ ARPES measurements on perovskite oxides and other strongly correlated oxides, including the recently discovered high-𝑇 c nickelates.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Final report: ES11: The 23rd Annual Workshop on Electronic Structure Methods

ES11: the 23rd Annual Workshop on Electronic Structure Methods was held from June 6-9, 2011 at the University of Pennsylvania. The local organizing committee (see Section II) led by PI Andrew M. Rappe supervised the organization of the conference, before, during, and after the meeting itself. The national organizing committee set the technical program of talks, and provided support and advice in various ways. The conference was well-attended (see Section III). An important feature of this conference was a series of panel discussions (see Section IV) to discuss the field of electronic structure and to set new directions. The technical program was of extraordinarily high quality (see Section V). The host institution, the University of Pennsylvania, provided a supportive environment for this meeting (see Section VI).

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗

Studies of surface adsorbate electronic structure and femtochemistry at the fundamental length and time scales. Final report

The electronic structure and ultrafast (10-15 s-femtosecond timescale) electron dynamics were investigated for clean and atom/molecule covered metal surfaces. The studies were performed by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) to measure the structure of adsorbed atoms and molecules on metal surfaces, and to investigate their electronic properties. The electronic structure of the observed molecular networks was calculated by electronic structure theory in collaboration with Prof. Jin Zhao, who is a long-time collaborator, a Professor at the University of Science and Technology of China, and holds an Adjunct Professorship at the University of Pittsburgh. We also investigated the electronic properties of C60 molecules when they are templated by corrugated black phosphorous surfaces. We found unexpected charge delocalization that is enabled by the templating. This research was done in collaboration with Professor Min Feng at the Wuhan University, and who also holds an Adjunct Professorship at the University of Pittsburgh. Moreover, the electronic structure and electron dynamics in metal surfaces were investigated by time-resolved photoemission electron spectroscopy. The focus of ultrafast spectroscopy has been on the plasmonic response of silver surfaces. One direction has been to develop multidimensional (energy, momentum, and time) photoelectron spectroscopy of the coherent response of solid surfaces. This method was applied to study the collective electron excitations known generally as plasmons, which screen optical fields from penetration into metals. Although this collective response has been known for more than 60 years and is used extensively to deposit optical energy into metals, how this happens is poorly known. We investigated the plasmonic response of silver at the point where the dielectric response passes through zero and bulk plasmon is excited by light. We discovered that the plasmon excitation decays by exciting electrons from the Fermi level of a metal, which is contrary to what is believed in the plasmonic science community. This research has been performed in collaboration with Dr. Marcel Reutzel, who was a postdoctoral fellow working on this research at the University of Pittsburgh, and now has a faculty position at the University of Göttingen in Germany. Prof. Branko Gumhalter from the Institute of Physics in Zagreb contributed on the theory of plasmonic decay processes. Furthermore, we investigated the Floquet engineering of electronic bands in metals leading to multiphoton photoemission and above threshold photoemission. Finally, we demonstrated that it is possible to change the electronic structure of metals by application of optical fields. Our studies indicated that this happens on subfemtosecond time scale and could potentially be used in ultrafast information processing and quantum computation. Related document information

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Theoretical investigation of the electronic structure of a substituted nickel phthalocyanine

The optimized geometry and electronic structure of an organic compound nickel phthalocyanine tetrasulfonic acid tetra sodium salt have been investigated using density functional theory. We have also optimized the structure of nickel phthalocyanine tetrasulfonic acid tetra sodium salt in dimethyl sulfoxide to study effects of solvent on the electronic structure and transitions. Experimentally, the electronic transitions have been studied using UV-VIS spectroscopic technique. It is observed that the electronic transitions obtained from the theoretical studies generally agree with the experiment.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Structural, Electronic, Optical, and Magnetic Properties of Fe{sub 3}Al Alloys

We have investigated the structural, optical, and magnetic properties of D0{sub 3} Fe{sub 3}Al alloys along with the electronic structure calculations. X-ray diffraction patterns confirm the single-phase cubic structure with a symmetry for the arc-melted samples. In the field dependence of magnetic data, ferromagnetic behavior is witnessed down to 2 K from room temperature. The electronic structure calculation corroborates the experimental observation of ferromagnetism in this alloy. Further, optical conductivity data in excellent agreement with the electronic structure calculations confirmed that electronic transitions are predominant by the 3d states of Fe.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Regulating Electronic Structure of Single-Atom Catalysts toward Efficient Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalysis

We report electronic structure of single-atom catalysts (SACs) is critical for bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysis by adjusting the binding energy in oxygen-containing intermediates. However, the regulation of electronic structure has always been a challenge to improve catalytic reactivity. Herein, by introducing a heterogenous metal, the electronic structure through a direct bonding interaction to the active center atom is effectively adjusted. Partial charge transfer between the two atoms optimizes the binding energy of intermediates and reducing the energy barrier of the catalytic reaction. Theoretical calculations confirm these effects and the uniform distribution of 3d orbitals, leading to the improvement of bifunctional oxygen electrocatalytic reactivity. Benefiting from these attributes, the as-constructed bifunctional catalyst enables outstanding electrocatalytic performances in both oxygen reduction and hydrogen oxidation in various energy storage systems. The generality and expandability of this strategy is demonstrated by further successful development of other dual-metal catalysts systems with various active metals.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Perspective on Kramers symmetry breaking and restoration in relativistic electronic structure methods for open-shell systems

Without rigorous symmetry constraints, solutions to approximate electronic structure methods may artificially break symmetry. In the case of the relativistic electronic structure, if time-reversal symmetry is not enforced in calculations of molecules not subject to a magnetic field, it is possible to artificially break Kramers degeneracy in open shell systems. This leads to a description of excited states that may be qualitatively incorrect. Despite this, different electronic structure methods to incorporate correlation and excited states can partially restore Kramers degeneracy from a broken symmetry solution. For single-reference techniques, the inclusion of double and possibly triple excitations in the ground state provides much of the needed correction. Formally, however, this imbalanced treatment of the Kramers-paired spaces is a multi-reference problem, and so methods such as complete-active-space methods perform much better at recovering much of the correct symmetry by state averaging. Using multi-reference configuration interaction, any additional corrections can be obtained as the solution approaches the full configuration interaction limit. A recently proposed “Kramers contamination” value is also used to assess the magnitude of symmetry breaking.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Doping topological Dirac semimetal with magnetic impurities: Electronic structure of Mn-doped Cd 3 ⁢As 2

The prospect of transforming a Dirac topological semimetal (TSM) into a Weyl TSM phase, following doping by magnetic impurities, is central to TSM applications. The magnetic field from polarized 𝑑 levels of magnetic impurities produces a field with a sharp local structure. To what extent magnetic impurities act in the same manner as an applied field and what are the effects of such a field on the electronic structure of a Dirac TSM are the subject of this paper. We present electronic structure calculations of bulk Cd 3 ⁢As 2 with substitutional doping of Mn impurities in the dilute alloy range. Quasiparticle 𝐺⁡𝑊 (QS⁢𝐺⁡𝑊) ab initio electronic structure calculations are used in conjunction with 𝑘 · 𝑝 model Hamiltonian calculations. As expected, we observe the splitting of the Dirac points into pairs of Weyl points following the doping with Mn. We also show that the electronic structure of Mn-doped Cd 3⁢ As 2 can be emulated by the electronic structure of pristine Cd 3⁢ As 2 with an appropriate external magnetic field. Some properties of the conductivity of bulk Cd 3 ⁢As 2 for different magnetic field orientations are also investigated. Our results inform future opportunities for unique device functionality based on band structure tuning not found in conventional magnetic Weyl TSM.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Effects of graphene defect on electronic structures of its interface with organic semiconductor

Electronic structures of copper hexadecafluorophthalocyanine (F{sub 16}CuPc)/graphene with different defect density were studied with ultra-violet photoelectron spectroscopy. We showed that the charge transfer interaction and charge flow direction can be interestingly tuned by controlling the defect density of graphene through time-controlled H{sub 2} plasma treatment. By increasing the treatment time of H{sub 2} plasma from 30 s to 5 min, both the interface surface dipole and the electron transporting barrier at F{sub 16}CuPc/graphene interface are significantly reduced from 0.86 to 0.56 eV and 0.71 to 0.29 eV, respectively. These results suggested that graphene's defect control is a simple approach for tuning electronic properties of organic/graphene interfaces.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

A novel Gaussian-Sinc mixed basis set for electronic structure calculations

A Gaussian-Sinc basis set methodology is presented for the calculation of the electronic structure of atoms and molecules at the Hartree–Fock level of theory. This methodology has several advantages over previous methods. The all-electron electronic structure in a Gaussian-Sinc mixed basis spans both the “localized” and “delocalized” regions. A basis set for each region is combined to make a new basis methodology—a lattice of orthonormal sinc functions is used to represent the “delocalized” regions and the atom-centered Gaussian functions are used to represent the “localized” regions to any desired accuracy. For this mixed basis, all the Coulomb integrals are definable and can be computed in a dimensional separated methodology. Additionally, the Sinc basis is translationally invariant, which allows for the Coulomb singularity to be placed anywhere including on lattice sites. Finally, boundary conditions are always satisfied with this basis. To demonstrate the utility of this method, we calculated the ground state Hartree–Fock energies for atoms up to neon, the diatomic systems H{sub 2}, O{sub 2}, and N{sub 2}, and the multi-atom system benzene. Together, it is shown that the Gaussian-Sinc mixed basis set is a flexible and accurate method for solving the electronic structure of atomic and molecular species.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Electronic structure of the chiral helimagnet and 3d-intercalated transition metal dichalcogenide Cr 1/3 NbS 2

The electronic structure of the chiral helimagnet Cr 1/3 NbS 2 has been studied with core level and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES). Intercalated Cr atoms are found to be effective in donating electrons to the NbS 2 layers but also cause significant modifications of the electronic structure of the host NbS 2 material. Specifically, the data provide evidence that a description of the electronic structure of Cr 1/3 NbS 2 on the basis of a simple rigid band picture is untenable. The data also reveal substantial inconsistencies with the predictions of standard density functional theory. In conclusion, the relevance of these results to the attainment of a correct description of the electronic structure of chiral helimagnets, magnetic thin films/multilayers, and transition metal dichalcogenides intercalated with 3d magnetic elements is discussed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Electronic structure and correlated wave functions of a few electron quantum dots

The energy spectra and wave functions of a few electrons confined by a quasi-one-dimensional harmonic and anharmonic potentials have been studied by using a full configuration interaction method employing a Cartesian anisotropic Gaussian basis set. The energy spectra are classified into three regimes of the strength of confinement, namely, large, medium and small. The polyad quantum number defined by a total number of nodes in the wave functions is shown to be a key ingredient to interpret the energy spectra for the whole range of the confinement strength. The nodal pattern of the wave functions exhibits normal modes for the harmonic confining potential, indicating collective motions of electrons. These normal modes are shown to undergo a transition to local modes for an anharmonic potential with large anharmonicity.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Hybrid programming-model strategies for GPU offloading of electronic structure calculation kernels

To address the challenge of performance portability and facilitate the implementation of electronic structure solvers, we developed the basic matrix library (BML) and Parallel, Rapid O(N), and Graph-based Recursive Electronic Structure Solver (PROGRESS) library. The BML implements linear algebra operations necessary for electronic structure kernels using a unified user interface for various matrix formats (dense and sparse) and architectures (CPUs and GPUs). Focusing on density functional theory and tight-binding models, PROGRESS implements several solvers for computing the single-particle density matrix and relies on BML. In this paper, we describe the general strategies used for these implementations on various computer architectures, using OpenMP target functionalities on GPUs, in conjunction with third-party libraries to handle performance critical numerical kernels. In this study, we demonstrate the portability of this approach and its performance in benchmark problems.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗