0000000000059992
AUTHOR
G. Borstel
Hybrid DFT calculations of the atomic and electronic structure for ABO3 perovskite (001) surfaces
Abstract We present the results of first-principles calculations on two possible terminations of the (0 0 1) surfaces of SrTiO3, BaTiO3, and PbTiO3 perovskite crystals. Atomic structure and the electronic configurations were calculated for different 2D slabs, both stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric, using hybrid (B3PW) exchange-correlation technique and re-optimized basis sets of atomic (Gaussian) orbitals. Results are compared with previous calculations and available experimental data. The electronic density distribution near the surface and covalency effects are discussed in details for all three perovskites. Both SrTiO3 and BaTiO3 (0 0 1) surfaces demonstrate reduction of the optical …
ATOMISTIC CALCULATIONS OF (110) SURFACE RELAXATION FOR PEROVSKITE TITANATES
Using a shell model, for the first time the (110) surface relaxations are calculated for SrTiO 3 and BaTiO 3 perovskites. The positions of atoms in 16 near-surface layers placed atop a slab of rigid ions are calculated. Strong surface rumpling and surface-induced dipole moments perpendicular to the surface are predicted for both the O-terminated and Ti-terminated surfaces.
Ab initio Hartree-Fock calculations of LaMnO3 (110) surfaces
We present the results of ab initio Hartree-Fock calculations of the LaMnO3 (110) surface. Using seven-plane slabs, periodic in 2D and containing three formula units, we compare the properties of a stoichiometric surface with oxygen vacancies, and non-stoichiometric, defect-free surfaces, analyze the dispersion of the effective charges near the surface, and calculate the surface energy before and after relaxation, for both ferromagnetric and antiferromagnetic spin orderings in a slab. q 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Large scale computer modelling of point defects in ABO 3 perovskites
We present results for basic intrinsic defects: F-type electron centers, free and bound electron and hole polarons in ABO3 perovskites. Both one-site (atomic) and two-site (molecular) hole polarons are expected to coexist, characterized by close absorption energies. Shell Model (SM) and intermediate neglect of differential overlap (INDO) calculations of the F center diffusion indicate that the relevant activation energy is quite low, ca. 0.8 eV. Further INDO calculations support the existence of self-trapped electron polarons in PbTiO3, BaTiO3, KNbO3, and KTaO3 crystals. The relevant lattice relaxation energies are typically 0.2 eV, whereas the optical absorption energies are around 0.8 eV.…
Theoretical Simulations of Surface Relaxation for Perovskite Titanates
The (100) and (110) surface relaxations are calculated for SrTiO3 and BaTiO3 perovskite thin films Using a semiempirical shell model, the positions of atoms in 16 near-surface layers placed atop a slab of rigid ions are calculated. Surface rumpling and surface-induced dipole moments perpendicular to the surface are calculated for different surface terminations. Surface relaxation is found much larger for the (110) surface. Our results for the (100) surfaces are compared with ab initio calculations and LEED experiments.
First-principles and semiempirical calculations forFcenters inKNbO3
The linear muffin-tin-orbital method combined with density functional theory (local approximation) and the semiempirical method of the intermediate neglect of the differential overlap (INDO) based on the Hartree-Fock formalism are used for the study of the $F$ centers (O vacancy with two electrons) in cubic and orthorhombic ferroelectric KNbO$_3$ crystals. Calculations for 39-atom supercells show that the two electrons are considerably delocalized even in the ground state of the defect. Their wave functions extend over the two Nb atoms closest to the O vacancy and over other nearby atoms. Thus, the $F$ center in KNbO$_3$ resembles electron defects in the partially-covalent SiO$_2$ crystal (…
Adhesion trends and growth mode of ultra-thin copper films on MgO
Ab initio simulations are performed for Cu atoms adsorbed on the perfect MgO(001) substrate, with an ordered metal coverage varied from 1 monolayer (ML), i.e. almost single atoms, up t o1M L. As trong dependence of the adhesion energy and the sub-monolayer film distance from the substrate on the surface coverage and adsorbate positions (Mg 2+ or O 2− )i s discussed. The nature of interfacial bonding at all coverages is physisorption .W hen increasing Cu atomic fraction, a decrease of the substrate-induced polarization of adatoms accompanied by an increase of both in-plane metallic bonding and the interfacial distance has been found. Combining results of ab initio calculations with thermodyn…
Quantum chemical modelling of electron polarons and excitons in ABO3perovskites
Quantum chemical calculations using the intermediate neglect of the differential overlap (INDO) method, combined with the large unit cell periodic model argue for an existence of the self-trapped electrons in KNbO3 and KTaO3 perovskite crystals. An electron in the ground state occupies predominantly t2g orbital of a Nb4+ ion. Its orbital degeneracy is lifted by a combination of the breathing and Jahn-Teller modes where four nearest equatorial O atoms are displaced outwards and two oxygens shift inwards along the z axis. Triplet exciton is shown to be in a good approximation of a pair of nearest Jahn-Teller electron and hole polarons (a bipolaron) which is very likely responsible for the `gr…
Calculations of atomic and electronic structure for (100) surfaces of SrTiO3 perovskite
AbstractWe present and discuss main results of the calculations for the surface relaxation and rumpling of SrTiO3 surfaces with TiO2 and SrO terminations using a wide variety of methods of modern computational physics and chemistry, including the shell model (SM) and ab initio methods based on Hartree-Fock (HF) and Density Functional Theory (DFT). The HF and DFT formalisms with different exchange-correlation functionals are implemented into Crystal-98 computer code using a Gaussian-type basis set. We demonstrate that a hybrid B3PW formalism gives the best results for the bulk SrTiO3 properties. Results are compared with previous ab initio plane-wave LDA calculations and LEED experiments. Ou…
First-principles calculations for SrTiO3() surface structure
As a continuation of our recent abinitio calculations of SrTiO 3(1 0 0) surface relaxation for the two different terminations (SrO and TiO2) [Phys. Rev. B 64 (2001) 23417], we analyze here their electronic structures (band structure, density of states, and the electronic density redistribution with emphasis on the covalency effects). We compare results of abinitio Hartree–Fock method with electron correlation corrections and density functional theory with different exchange-correlation functionals, including hybrid (B3PW, B3LYP) exchange techniques. Our results are also compared with previous abinitio plane-wave local density approximation calculations and experiments when availab le. Consi…
Ab initiomodeling of surface structure forSrTiO3perovskite crystals
We present and discuss the results of calculations of ${\mathrm{SrTiO}}_{3}$ (100) surface relaxation and rumpling with two different terminations (SrO and ${\mathrm{TiO}}_{2}).$ These are based on ab initio Hartree-Fock method with electron correlation corrections and density functional theory calculations with different exchange-correlation functionals, including hybrid exchange techniques. Both approaches use the localized Gaussian-type basis set. All methods agree well on surface energies and on atomic displacements, as well as on considerable increase of covalency effects nearby the surface. More detailed experiments on surface rumpling and relaxation are necessary for further testing …
Theoretical Prediction and Experimental Confirmation of Charge Transfer Vibronic Excitons and Their Phase in ABO3 Perovskite Crystals
AbstractThe current theoretical and experimental knowledge of new polaronic-type excitons in ferroelectric oxides - charge transfer vibronic excitons (CTVE) is discussed. It is shown that quantum chemical Hartree-Fock-type calculations using a semiempirical Intermediate Neglect of Differential Overlap (INDO) method (modified for ionic/partly ionic solids) as well as photoluminescence studies in ferroelectric oxygen-octahedral perovskites confirm the CTVE existence. Our INDO calculations for KTaO3 and KNbO3 have demonstrated that the triplet exciton is a triad centre containing one active O atom and two Ta atoms sitting on the opposite sites from this O atom. The total energy of a system is …
Computer Modeling of Luminescence in ABO3 Perovskites
ABSTRACTWe suggest theoretical interpretation to a long-debated discussion on a nature of the intrinsic “green” luminescence observed in many ABO3 perovskites. For this purpose we performed quantum chemical calculations using the Intermediate Neglect of the Differential Overlap combined with the Large Unit Cell periodic model. Triplet exciton which is very likely responsible for the “green” luminescence is shown to be in a good approximation a pair of nearest Jahn-Teller electron and hole polarons (a bipolaron).
Computer modelling of point defects in ABO3 perovskites and MgO
We present results for basic intrinsic defects: F-type electron centers (O vacancy which trapped one or two electrons) and hole polarons bound to Mg or K vacancy in ionic MgO and partly covalent KNbO3 perovskite, respectively. We demonstrate that a considerable covalency of the perovskite chemical bonding makes the F-type centers therein much more similar to defects in partly-covalent quartz-type oxides rather than the conventional F centers in alkali halides and ionic MgO. Both one-site (atomic) and two-site (molecular) polarons are expected to coexist in KNbO3 characterized by close absorption energies. Our calculations confirm existence of the self-trapped electron polarons in KNbO3, KTa…
Semi-Empirical Calculations of Hole Polarons in MgO and KNbO3 Crystals
The semi-empirical quantum chemical INDO method has been used for cluster and large unit cell calculations of hole polarons bound to a cation vacancy in highly ionic MgO and partly covalent perovskite KNbO 3 . In both cases a hole is well localized on an oxygen atom displaced towards the vacancy. The calculated optical and thermal ionization energies for V - and V 0 centers are in excellent agreement with experimental data for MgO. In KNbO 3 we predict the existence of one-site and two-site (molecular) polarons with close absorption energies (1 e V). The relevant experimental data are discussed.
Semi-empirical calculations of the Nb-ion positions in doped crystals
The atomic and electronic structures of Nb impurities in doped perovskite KTaO3 crystals are calculated using the semi-empirical quantum chemical method of the intermediate neglect of the differential overlap (INDO) and a supercell model. When seven Ta ions are replaced by seven Nb ions, the latter clearly demonstrate self-ordering effects which are related to the experimentally observed impurity-induced phase transition. A single Nb impurity reveals an off-centre displacement which is very close to that found in XAFS experiments. The relevant energy gain is very small, approximately 0.0375 eV, which is much smaller than the Nb-clustering energy gain (0.12 eV). These results led us to the c…
First-principles and semi-empirical calculations for bound hole polarons in KNbO3
The ab initio linear muffin-tin-orbital (LMTO) formalism and the semi-empirical method of the Intermediate Neglect of the Differential Overlap (INDO) based on the Hartree-Fock formalism are combined for the study of the hole polarons (a hole trapped nearby the cation vacancy) in a cubic phase of KNbO3 perovskite crystals. The 40-atom and 320-atom supercells were used, respectively. We predict existence of both, one-site and two-site (molecular) polarons with close optical absorption energies (0.9 eV and 0.95 eV). The relevant experimental data are discussed.
Quantum chemical modelling of point defects in KNbO3 perovskite crystals
Abstract We present results of semi-empirical quantum chemical calculations for several perovskite KNb x Ta 1−x O 3 (KTN) solid solutions, as well as point intrinsic defects – F centers and hole polarons bound to K vacancy – in KNbO 3 . Method of the intermediate neglect of the differential overlap (INDO) was combined with typically 320-atom supercells and atomic geometry optimization. Analysis of the optimized atomic and electronic structure has clearly demonstrated that several nearest Nb atoms substituting for Ta in KTaO 3 – unlike Ta impurities in KNbO 3 – reveal the self-ordering effect, which probably triggers the ferroelectricity observed in KTN. We predict co-existence of one-site (…
Calculations of the Electronic and Atomic Structure and Diffusion of Point Defects in KNbO3 Perovskite Crystals and Relevant KTN Solid Solutions
AbstractIn this paper we review our recent achievements in large scale computer simulations of point defects in advanced perovskite crystals. We have calculated the defect migration energies in the KNbO3 cubic phase using quantum chemical method of the Intermediate Neglect of Differential Overlap (INDO) and classical shell model (SM). The migration energies for the O vacancy obtained by means of these two quite different methods are reasonably close (0.68 eV and 0.79 eV, respectively) and also agree with the only experimental estimate available (ca. 1 eV). Atomic relaxations calculated by these two methods also agree quite well. We used INDO method for a large-scale modeling of the atomic a…
Ab initio modeling of copper adhesion on regular BaTiO3(001) surfaces
Ab initio calculations have been performed for copper adsorption on a regular, defect-free TiO"2- and BaO-terminated (001) surfaces of a cubic BaTiO"3, using a posteriori HF-CC method as implemented into the CRYSTAL-03 computer code. To clarify the nature of the interfacial bonding, we use slab models of the Cu/BaTiO"3(001) interfaces with different one-side substrate coverages, varied from 1/8 monolayer (ML) up to 1/2 ML, over both TiO"2- and BaO-terminated surfaces. TiO"2 termination has been found to be energetically more favorable for the adsorption of copper atoms. In agreement with previous experimental and theoretical data, our calculations indicate essential contribution of atomic p…
Adsorption of single Ag and Cu atoms on regular and defective MgO(001) substrates: an ab initio study
Abstract The DFT slab calculations were performed for Ag and Cu atoms adsorbed on both regular and defective MgO(0 0 1) substrates. Both metal atoms and surface O vacancies ( F s centers) were distributed uniformly with a concentration of one Ag, Cu or F s per 2×2 surface supercell. Surface O 2− ions are energetically more preferable for metal-atom adsorption on a regular substrate as compared to Mg 2+ ions. The nature of the interaction between Ag or Cu adatoms and a defectless MgO substrate is physisorption (despite the difference in the adsorption energies: 0.62 vs. 0.39 eV per Cu and Ag adatom, respectively). Above the F s centers, metal atoms are bounded much stronger when compared wit…
Experimental and theoretical studies of polaron optical properties in KNbO3 perovskite
Time-resolved absorption and luminescence spectra have been measured in KNbO3 perovskite crystals after pulsed band-gap excitation by 200 fs laser pulses and 10 ns electron pulses. Quantum chemical calculations using the large unit cell periodic model support the interpretation of the observed transient absorption bands at 0.8 and 1.1 eV as the self-trapped electron polarons and bound hole polarons, respectively. The activation energy for the 2.2 eV green luminescence quenching is 0.05 eV. We suggest that the short lifetime (,15 ns) of the luminescence at RT is caused by the radiative recombination of nearest electron and hole polarons. q 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Quantum Mechanical Modelling of Pure and Defective KNbO3 Perovskites
Ab initio electronic structure calculations using the density-functional theory (DFT) are performed for KNbO3 with and without defects. Ferroelectric distortive transitions involve very small changes in energies and are therefore sensitive to DFT-approximations. This is discussed by comparing results obtained with the local density approximation (LDA) to those where generalized gradient approximations (GGA) are used. The results of ab initio calculations for F-type centers and bound hole polarons are compared to those obtained by a semiempirical method of the Intermediate Neglect of the Differential Overlap (INDO), based on the HartreeFock formalism. Supercells with 40 and 320 atoms were us…
Ab initiocalculations of theSrTiO3(110) polar surface
Results of ab initio Hartree-Fock calculations for the SrTiO3 ~110! polar surface are discussed. We have calculated the surface energies, near-surface atomic displacements for four possible terminations ~TiO, Sr, and two kinds of O terminations! as well as Mulliken atomic charges and dipole moments of atoms characterizing their polarization, and the atomic bond populations. We predict a considerable increase of the TiuO chemical bond covalency near the ~110! surface, as compared to both the bulk and the ~100! surface. The O-terminated ~110! surface has surface energy close to that for ~100!, which indicates that both ~110! and ~100! SrTiO3 surfaces can coexist in polycrystals and perovskite…
First principles simulations of 2D Cu superlattices on the MgO(0 0 1) surface
AbstractFirst principles slab simulations of copper 2D superlattices of different densities on the perfect MgO(001) surface are performed using the DFT method as implemented into the CRYSTAL98 computer code. In order to clarify the nature of interfacial bonding, we consider regular 1/4, 1/2 and 1 monolayer (ML) coverages and compare results of our calculations with various experimental and theoretical data. Our general conclusion is that the physical adhesion associated with a Cu polarization and charge redistribution gives the predominant contribution to the bonding of the regular Cu 2D layer on the MgO(001) surface.
A comparative study of the atomic and electronic structure of F centers in ferroelectric KNbO3: Ab initio and semi-empirical calculations
Abstract The linear muffin-tin-orbital method combined with density functional theory (in a local density approximation) and the semi-empirical method of the intermediate neglect of the differential overlap (INDO) based on the Hartree-Fock formalism are used for the supercell study of the F centers (O vacancy with two electrons) in cubic and orthorhombic ferroelectric KNbO3 crystals. The two electrons are found to be considerably delocalized even in the ground state of the defect. Their wave functions extend over the two Nb atoms closest to the O vacancy and over other nearby atoms. Thus, the F center in KNbO3 resembles much more electron defects in the partly covalent SiO2 crystal (the so-…
Quantum chemical modelling of polarons and perovskite solid solutions
Abstract Following our previous study [J. Phys.: Condens. Matter 10 (1998) 6271] of a single Nb impurity and Nb clusters in KTaO 3 , we present results of the calculations for a series of perovskite KNb x Ta 1− x O 3 (KTN) solid solutions ( x =0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.75, 1). The quantum chemical method of the intermediate neglect of the differential overlap (INDO) combined with the large unit cell (LUC) periodic model is used. According to the INDO calculations, Nb impurity becomes off-center in KTaO 3 already at the lowest studied concentrations ( x =0.125), in a good agreement with XAFS measurements. We compare our results with previous ab initio FP-LMTO calculations. Quantum chemical calculati…
Quantum chemical modelling of "green" luminescence in ABO $ \mathsf {_3}$ perovskites
The origin of the intrinsic excitonic (“green”) luminescence in ABO3 perovskites remains a hot topic over the last quarter of a century. We suggest as a theoretical interpretation for the “green” luminescence in these crystals, the recombination of electron and hole polarons forming a charge transfer vibronic exciton. In order to check quantitatively the proposed model, we performed quantum chemical calculations using the Intermediate Neglect of Differential Overlap (INDO) method combined with the periodic defect model. The luminescence energies calculated for four perovskite crystals are found to be in good agreement with experimental data.
First-Principles Simulation of Substitutional Defects in Perovskites
The results of supercell calculations of electronic structure and related properties of substitutional impurities in perovskite oxides KNbO3 and KTaO3 are discussed. For Fe impurities in KNbO3, the results obtained in the local density approximation (LDA) and in the LDA+U approach (that allows an ad hoc treatment of nonlocality in exchange-correlation) are compared, and different impurity charge configurations are discussed. The study of off-centre Li defects in incipient ferroelectric KTaO3 have been done by the appropriately parametrized Intermediate Neglect of Differential Overlap (INDO) method. The interaction energies of two off-centre impurities in different relative configurations ar…
<title>Computer modeling of point defects, polarons, excitons, and surfaces in perovskite ferroelectrics</title>
We review results of our recent large-scale computer simulations of point defects, excitons and polarons in ABO3 perovskite crystals, focusing mostly on KNbO3 and KTaO3 as representative examples. We have calculated the atomic and electronic structure of defects, their optical absorption and defect-induced electron density redistribution. The majority of results are obtained using the quantum chemical method of the intermediate neglect of differential overlap (INDO) based on the Hartree-Frock formalism. The main findings are compared with results of ab initio Density Functional Theory (FP-LMTO) first-principles calculations. The results of the electronic structure calculations for different…
Computer Modeling of Defects and Surfaces in Advanced Perovskite Ferroelectrics
The (110) surface relaxations are calculated for SrTiO3 and BaTiO3 perovskites. The positions of atoms in 16 near-surface layers placed atop a slab of rigid ions are optimized. Strong surface rumpling and surface-induced dipole moments perpendicular to the surface are predicted for both the O-terminated and Ti-terminated surfaces. Calculated optical properties of basic point defects – F-type centres and hole polarons – in KNbO3 are used for the interpretation of available experimental data.
Quantum chemical calculations of KTN solid solutions
Abstract The results of semi-empirical calculations for perovskite KNbxTa1−xO3 (KTN) solid solutions are presented for x = 0.04, 0.11, 0.89, and 0.96. Quantum chemical method of the Intermediate Neglect of the Differential Overlap (INDO) was combined with 135- and 320-atom supercells. Analysis of the optimised atomic and electronic structure has clearly demonstrated that several nearest Nb atoms substituting for Ta in KTaO3 — unlike Ta impurities in KNbO3 — reveal the self-ordering effect, which probably triggers the ferroelectricity observed in KTN.
<title>Large-scale first-principles calculations of Fe-doped SrTiO<formula><inf><roman>3</roman></inf></formula></title>
The energy level positions in the optical gap and atomic geometry for the Fe4+ impurity substituting for a host Ti atom in SrTiO3 are calculated using the Unrestricted Hartree-Fock (UHF) method and supercells containing up to 320 atoms. In agreement with experiment, the high spin (S = 2) state is much lower in energy than the zero-spin state. The energy level positions strongly depend on the asymmetric displacements of six nearest O ions which is a combination of the Jahn-Teller and breathing modes. A considerable covalent bonding between the Fe ion and four nearest O ions takes place. We predict a strong dependence of optical absorption energies on the crystal compression or internal tensi…
Quantum chemical modelling of electron polarons and green luminescence in PbTiO3perovskite crystals
In an extension of our previous study on the electron polarons and excitons in KNbO3, KTaO3 and BaTiO3 (Kotomin E A, Eglitis R I and Borstel G 2000 J. Phys. Condens. Matter 12 L557; Eglitis R I, Kotomin E A and Borstel G 2002 J. Phys. Condens. Matter 14 3735) by the semiempirical Hartree–Fock method we present here results for free electron polarons in the PbTiO3 perovskite crystal. We discuss the origin of the intrinsic visible band emission of PbTiO3 perovskite oxides (so-called 'green luminescence') which has remained a topic of high interest during the last quarter of a century. We present a theoretical calculation modelling this emission in the framework of a concept of charge transfer…
Modeling of defects and surfaces in perovskite ferroelectrics
The results of electronic structure calculations for different terminations of SrTiO3 (100) and (110) perovskite thin films are discussed. These calculations are based on the ab initio Hartree-Fock (HF) method and Density Functional Theory (DFT). Results are compared with previous ab initio plane-wave LDA and classical Shell Model (SM) calculations. Calculated considerable increase of the Ti – O chemical bond covalency nearby the surface is confirmed by experimental data. Our quantum chemical calculations performed by means of the intermediate neglect of differential overlap (INDO) method confirm the existence of self-trapped electrons in KNbO3, KTaO3 and BaTiO3 crystals. The relevant latti…
First-principles calculations of perovskite thin films
Abstract The results of the electronic structure calculations for different surface terminations of SrTiO3 (1 0 0) perovskite thin films are discussed. These calculations are based on ab initio Hartree–Fock method with a posteriori electron correlation corrections and density functional theory with a number of different exchange-correlation functionals, including hybrid (B3PW, B3LYP) exchange techniques. Results are compared with previous ab initio plane-wave local density approximation and classical shell model calculations. Calculated considerable increase of the Ti–O chemical bond covalency nearby the surface is confirmed by experimental data. We predict also the band-gap reduction, espe…
Self-Ordered Second-Component Nb Clusters in KNbxTa1?xO3 Solid Solutions and Their Physical Properties
Semi-empirical Hartree-Fock calculations using the intermediate neglect of the differential overlap (INDO) method, for self-ordered cubic symmetry clusters of seven Nb ions in KTaO 3 are performed with the aim of verifying the cluster model [1] of second component-induced phase transitions in ferroelectric perovskite matrices. It is shown that a seven-particle cluster in KTaO 3 :Nb has two types of states with different nature. Namely, a state with a dilatation combined with an off-center displacement of the central Nb ion in [111] directions in the cluster, and a state with a full-symmetric compression without any off-center effect. The consequences of such cluster structures on the multi-…
Theoretical and experimental study of primary radiation defects in KNbO3 perovskite crystals
Abstract The results of large-scale computer simulations of point defects – F-type electron centers and hole polarons bound to a potassium vacancy – in perovskite KNbO3 crystals are presented. One-site polarons and two-site (molecular) polarons are expected to coexist, both are characterized by close absorption energies around 1 eV. The transient absorption spectra and decay kinetics observed after ns-pulsed electron beam irradiation have been measured for different KNbO3 crystals. The relaxation kinetics of the optical density vary considerably for different impurity concentrations and sample stoichiometries. Experimental data are discussed in the light of the presented calculations.
Modelling of defects and surfaces in perovskite ferroelectrics
The results of electronic structure calculations for different terminations of SrTiO 3 (100) and (110) perovskite thin films are discussed. These calculations are based on the ab initio Hartree-Fock (HF) method and Density Functional Theory (DFT). Results are compared with previous ab initio plane-wave LDA and classical Shell Model (SM) calculations. Calculated considerable increase of the Ti-O chemical bond covalency nearby the surface is confirmed by experimental data. Our quantum chemical calculations performed by means of the intermediate neglect of differential overlap (INDO) method confirm the existence of self-trapped electrons in KNbO 3 , KTaO 3 and BaTiO 3 crystals. The relevant la…
Polaronic-type excitons in ferroelectric oxides: Microscopic calculations and experimental manifestation
We discuss the current experimental and theoretical understanding of new polaronic-type excitons in ferroelectric-oxides charge-transfer vibronic excitons ~CTVE’s!, which are pairs of strongly correlated electronic and hole polarons. It is shown that charge-transfer‐lattice distortion interactions are the driving forces for CTVE formation. Hartree-Fock-type calculations performed in the framework of the intermediate neglect of differential overlap ~INDO! method as well as photoluminescence, second-harmonic generation, and UVabsorption high-temperature studies performed for ABO3 ferroelectric oxides strongly support the CTVE existence. Both single CTVE and a phase of strongly correlated CTVE…
A new phase in ferroelectric oxides: The phase of charge transfer vibronic excitons
It is shown, by means of Hartree-Fock-type calculations using the intermediate neglect of the differential overlap (INDO) method, that polaronic-type charge transfer vibronic excitons (CTVE) in ferroelectric oxides could lead to the formation of a new phase. The ground-state energy of this phase of strongly correlated CTVE lies within an optical gap of pure crystal, and is characterized by a strong tetragonal lattice distortion, as well as ferroelectric and antiferromagnetic ordering. It is shown also that clusters of the CTVE phase being stabilized by oxygen vacancies could be responsible for the unusually strong optical Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) in nominally pure incipient ferroele…
Semi-empirical Hartree-Fock calculations for KNbO 3 and KTaO 3
As a first step in modeling the electronic structure of Perovskite-type ferroelectric mixed crystals K(Nb,Ta)O3, semiempirical calculations for pure KNbO3 and KTaO3 are performed with the intermediate neglect of the differential overlap (INDO) quantum chemical method. The calculations are mostly done for 40-atom supercells. The choice of the INDO parameters based on the comparison of results with ab initio and experimental data is discussed. INDO results for the equilibrium geometry and the (Gamma) -TO phonon frequencies are given. The results show that the accuracy of the INDO method is sufficient for reliably reproducing the energy differences on the order of 1 mRy (per formula unit) scal…
Ab initio study of the SrTiO3, BaTiO3 and PbTiO3 (001) surfaces
The results of first-principles calculations of the two possible terminations of (0 0 1) surfaces of SrTiO 3 (STO), BaTiO3 (BTO) and PbTiO3 (PTO) perovskites are presented. Surface atomic structures and their electronic configurations have been calculated using ab initio density functional theory (DFT) combined with hybrid (B3PW) exchange-correlation technique. Our results are compared with previous quantum mechanical calculations and available experimental data. Surface relaxations and the electronic states near valence band gap are discussed in details for all three perovskites. © 2004 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.
Quantum chemical modelling of perovskite solid solutions
In line with our previous study (Eglitis R I et al 1998 J. Phys.: Condens. Matter 10 6271) for a single Nb impurity and Nb clusters in KTaO3 we present here the results of calculations for a series of perovskite KNbx Ta 1−x O3 (KTN) solid solutions (x = 0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.75, and 1). The quantum chemical method of the intermediate neglect of the differential overlap (INDO) combined with the large unit cell (LUC) periodic model is used. According to the INDO calculations, Nb impurity becomes off-centre in KTaO3 already at the lowest studied Nb concentration. Its off-centre displacement is in a good agreement with XAFS measurements. We compare our results with previous FP-LMTO calculations. Pe…
Calculations of radiation-induced point defects, polarons and excitons in ferroelectric perovskites
Abstract We review results of our recent large-scale computer simulations of radiation-induced point defects, excitons and polarons in ABO3 perovskite crystals, focusing mostly on KNbO3 and KTaO3 as representative examples. We have calculated the atomic and electronic structure of defects, their optical absorption, defect-induced electron density redistribution, and activation energies for defect migration. The majority of our results were obtained using the quantum-chemical method of the intermediate neglect of differential overlap (INDO) based on the Hartree–Fock formalism, as well as the shell model (SM). The main findings are compared with those obtained by means of ab initio density fu…
First-principles and semiempirical Hartree-Fock calculations for F centers in KNbO3 and Li impurities in KTaO3
The LMTO method based on the density-functional theory and the semi-empirical INDO method based on the Hartree--Fock formalism are used for the supercell study of the F centers in cubic and orthorhombic ferroelectric KNbO3 crystals. Two electrons are found to be considerably delocalized even in the ground state of the defect. The absorption energies were calculated by means of the INDO method using the Delta-SCF scheme after a relaxation of atoms surrounding the F center. As an example of another type of point defect in perovskite, an isolated Li impurity in KTaO3 as well as interacting Li pairs are considered in the supercell approach, using the supercells of up to 270 atoms. The off-cente…