Investigation of structural,half-metallic and elastic properties of a new full-Heusler compound–Ir2MnSi

The electronic structure, magnetic and elastic properties of Ir₂MnSi full-Heusler compound is studied within the framework of Density Functional Theory (DFT). The ferromagnetic (FM) and non-magnetic (NM) states are compared in Cu₂MnAl and Hg₂CuTi prototype structures. The ferromagnetic state in Cu₂MnAl structure has been found energetically more stable than non-magnetic state in these two types of structures. Due to this stability, all calculations are carried out for FM-state. The spin-polarized calculations show that the spin-up electrons of Ir₂MnSi compound have metallic nature, but the spin-down electrons have semiconducting behavior with 0.55 eV energy gap around the Fermi level. The calculated Cauchy pressure and Poisson's ratio indicated that Ir₂MnSi compound is a ductile material. Ir₂MnSi compound is a half-metallic ferromagnet (HMF) and it has 5µ_B magnetic moment. This study will theoretically lead to experimental works in the spintronic field and its applications.     

The structural,elastic, and electronic properties of ZrxNbl-xC alloys from first principle calculations＊

The structural, elastic, electronic, and thermodynamic properties of ZrxNbl xC alloys are investigated using the first principles method based on the density functional theory. The results show that the structural properties of Zr~.Nb1 xC alloys vary continuously with the increase of Zr composition. The alloy possesses both the highest shear modulus （215 GPa） and a higher bulk modulus （294 GPa）, with a Zr composition of 0.21. Meanwhile, the Zr0.2! Nb0.79C alloy shows metallic conductivity based on the analysis of the density of states. In addition, the thermodynamic stability of the designed alloys is estimated using the calculated enthalpy of mixing.     

The structural,electronic, and magnetic properties of SrFeOn（n=2 and 2.5）： a GGA＋U study

Using density-functional calculations within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA)+U framework,we investigate the structural,electronic,and magnetic properties of the ground states of SrFeOn (n = 2 and 2.5).The magnetism calculations show that the ground states of both SrFeO2 and SrFeO2.5 have G type antiferromagnetic ordering,with indirect band gaps of 0.89 and 0.79 eV,respectively.The electronic structure calculations demonstrate that Fe cations are in the high-spin state of (dz2 )2(dxz,dyz)2(dxy)1(dx2 y2 )1(S = 2),unlike the previous prediction of (dxz,dyz)3(dxy)1(dz2 )1(dx2 y2 )1(S = 2) for SrFeO2,and in the high-spin state of (dxy,dxz,dyz,dx2 y2 ,dz2 )5(S = 5/2) for SrFeO2.5.     

Contribution from structural Jahn–Teller ions to the elastic and ferroelectric properties of lithium niobate and lithium tantalate

Elastic and ferroelectric characteristics of single crystals of lithium niobate and tantalate are investigated in a wide range of temperatures by complex acoustooptic means. The contribution from Jahn–Teller NbO₆ and TaO₆ systems to the characteristics of elastic moduli, ultrasonic attenuation, and nonlinear optical coefficients is analyzed using a new phenomenological model. It is hypothesized that the displacement of Nb⁵⁺ and Ta⁵⁺ ions, which exhibit the second-order Jahn–Teller effect along trigonal axis C, and the subsequent ordering of octahedral, result in unusual elastic and ferroelectric properties.     

First-principles study of the structural and elastic properties of AuxV1–x and AuxNb1–x alloys

Ab initio total energy calculations, based on the Exact Muffin-Tin Orbitals (EMTO) method in combination with the coherent potential approximation (CPA), are used to calculate the total energy of Au_xV_1–x and Au_xNb_1–x random alloys along the Bain path that connects the body-centred cubic (bcc) and face-centred cubic (fcc) structures as a function of composition x (0 ≤ x ≤ 1). The equilibrium Wigner–Seitz radius and the elastic properties of both systems are determined as a function of composition. Our theoretical prediction in case of pure elements (x = 0 or x = 1) are in good agreement with the available experimental data. For the Au–V system, the equilibrium Wigner–Seitz radius increase as x increases, while for the Au–Nb system, the equilibrium Wigner–Seitz radius is almost constant. The bulk modulus B and C₄₄ for both alloys exhibit nearly parabolic trend. On the other hand, the tetragonal shear elastic constant C′ decreases as x increases and correlates reasonably well with the structural energy difference between fcc and bcc structures. Our results offer a consistent starting point for further theoretical and experimental studies of the elastic and micromechanical properties of Au–V and Au–Nb systems.     

First-principles calculation of the structural,electronic, elastic,and optical properties of sulfur-doping ε-GaSe crystal

The structural,electronic,mechanical properties,and frequency-dependent refractive indexes of GaSe_(1-x)S_x(x=0,0.25,and 1) are studied by using the first-principles pseudopotential method within density functional theory.The calculated results demonstrate the relationships between intralayer structure and elastic modulus in GaSe_(1-x)S_x(x=0,0.25,and 1).Doping of ε-GaSe with S strengthens the Ga-X bonds and increases its elastic moduli of C_(11) and C_(66).Born effective charge analysis provides an explanation for the modification of cleavage properties about the doping of e-GaSe with S.The calculated results of band gaps suggest that the distance between intralayer atom and substitution of S_(Se),rather than interlayer force,is a key factor influencing the electronic exciton energy of the layer semiconductor.The calculated refractive indexes indicate that the doping of ε-GaSe with S reduces its refractive index and increases its birefringence.     

Optical,thermal, and structural properties of Nb2O5–TeO2 and WO3–TeO2 glasses

Glass samples from two systems, Nb₂O₅–TeO₂ and WO₃–TeO₂, were prepared at two melt quenching rates and characterized by density, DSC, UV-visible, and Raman spectroscopy. Addition of Nb₂O₅ decreased the density while increase in the WO₃ concentration increased the density. Glasses prepared at higher quenching rates had smaller densities than glasses of the same composition prepared at lower quenching rate although the short-range structure of both glasses were identical, as revealed by Raman spectroscopy. Optical studies found an intense absorption band just below the absorption edge in both the glass series. This band was attributed to electronic transitions of Nb⁵⁺ and W⁶⁺ ions and a lone pair of electrons on Te atoms. Glass transition temperature increased with increase in Nb₂O₅ and WO₃ mol% due to the increase in average bond strength in the glass network. Raman spectroscopy showed that the concentration of TeO₄ units decreased with the increase in Nb₂O₅ and WO₃ concentrations.     

Structural properties,phase stability,elastic properties and electronic structures of Cu–Ti intermetallics

The structural properties, phase stabilities, anisotropic elastic properties and electronic structures of Cu–Ti intermetallics have been systematically investigated using first principles based on the density functional theory. The calculated equilibrium structural parameters agree well with available experimental data. The ground-state convex hull of formation enthalpies as a function of Cu content is slightly symmetrical at CuTi with a minimal formation enthalpy (–13.861 kJ/mol of atoms), which indicates that CuTi is the most stable phase. The mechanical properties, including elastic constants, polycrystalline moduli and anisotropic indexes, were evaluated. G/B is more pertinent to hardness than to the shear modulus G due to the high power indexes of 1.137 for G/B. The mechanical anisotropy was also characterized by describing the three-dimensional (3D) surface constructions. The order of elastic anisotropy is Cu₄Ti₃ > Cu₃Ti₂ > α-Cu₄Ti > Cu₂Ti > CuTi > β-Cu₄Ti > CuTi₂. Finally, the electronic structures were discussed and Cu₂Ti is a semiconductor.     

FP-LMTO method to calculate the structural,thermodynamic and optoelectronic properties of SixGe1−xC alloys

The structural and electronic properties of the ternary Si_xGe_1?xC alloys have been calculated using the full-potential linear muffin-tin-orbital (FP-LMTO) method based on density functional theory within both local density approximation (LDA) and generalised gradient approximation (GGA). The calculated equilibrium lattice constants and bulk moduli are compared with previous results. The concentration dependence of the electronic band structure and the direct and indirect band gaps are investigated. Using the approach of Zunger and co-workers, the microscopic origins of the band gap bowing are investigated also. Moreover, the refractive index and the optical dielectric constant for Si_xGe_1?xC are studied. The thermodynamic stability of the alloys of interest is investigated by means of the miscibility. This is the first quantitative theoretical prediction to investigate the effective masses, optical and thermodynamic properties for Si_xGe_1?xC alloy, and still awaits experimental confirmations.     

First-principles calculations of electronic and magnetic properties of CeN： The LDA ＋ U method

Electronic and magnetic properties of CeN are investigated using first-principles calculations based on density func- tional theory （DFT） with the LDA ＋ U method. Our results show that CeN is a half-metal. The majority-spin electron band structure has metallic intersections, whereas the minority-spin electron band structure has a semiconducting gap straddling the Fermi level. A small indirect energy gap occurs between X and W. The calculated magnetic moment is 0.99 μb per unit cell.     

Systematic analysis of the structural,elastic, and electronic properties of Ti–Cu–Me (Me=Al,Ga and In) ternary intermetallics

The structural, elastic, and electronic properties of eight intermetallics in Ti–Cu–Me (Me=Al, Ga and In) systems were investigated with the first-principles method. The calculations were performed within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) with the density functional theory (DFT) using the supercell (SC) method. Calculation results show that the SC approximation is accurate at zero pressure. These intermetallics are classified as stable and metastable in our investigation. The stable phases are those presented in the equilibrium phase diagram at room temperature. The metastable phases are those that usually appear in the equilibrium phase diagram at higher temperatures. The values of calculations show that the TiCuAl, Ti₂CuAl₅, and TiCu₂In compounds are brittle, and the Ti_0.5CuAl_0.5, TiCu₂Al, TiCuGa, Ti₂CuGa₅, and Ti_0.5CuIn_0.5 compounds are ductile at zero pressure.     

Coupled structural and magnetic properties of ferric fluoride nanostructures: Part II,a Monte Carlo–Heisenberg study

We present a numerical study of the magnetic structure of nanostructured iron fluoride, using the Monte Carlo Metropolis simulated annealing technique and a classical Heisenberg Hamiltonian with superexchange angle dependent interactions. The parameters are adjusted on experimental results, and the atomic structure and topology taken from a previous atomistic model of grain boundaries in the same system. We find perfect antiferromagnetic crystalline grains and a disordered magnetic configuration (speromagnetic) at the grain boundary, in agreement with experimental features. Both the lowest magnetic energy and the rate of magnetic frustration are found to be dependent on the relative disorientation of crystalline grains, i.e. on the cationic topology. We conclude on possible extensions of the model.     

The superconducting properties of a Pb/MoTe_2/Pb heterostructure:First-principles calculations within the anisotropic Migdal–Eliashberg theory

The spin-polarized band structures of an ultrathinheterostructure are calculated via first-principles density functional theory.The electron–phonon interaction and the superconducting properties of the ultrathinheterostructure are studied by using the fully anisotropic Migdal–Eliashberg theory powered by Wannier–Fourier interpolation.Due to the complex Fermi surface in this low-dimensional system,the electron–phonon interaction and the superconducting gap display significant anisotropy.The temperature dependence of the superconducting gap can be fitted by solving numerically the Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer(BCS)gap equation with an adjustable parameter α,suggesting that phonon-mediated mechanism as its superconducting origin.Large Rashba spin-splitting and superconductivity coexist in this heterostructure,suggesting that this hybrid low-dimensional system will have some specific applications.     

The reassessment of the structural transition regions along the liquidus of Fe–Si alloys and a possible liquid–liquid structural transition in FeSi2 alloy

We reassessed the structural transition regions along the liquidus of Fe–Si alloys by using ab initio molecular dynamics simulation. Except for 50 at.% Si, structural transition compositions are found at both 30 at.% Si and 67 at.% Si (FeSi₂) which are eutectic alloys. We demonstrated that the liquid structure in the sub-region of 0～30 at.% Si is close-packed, and in the sub-region of 67～100 at.% Si liquid alloys have very open structure. From 30 at.% Si to 67 at.% Si, the close-packed structure gradually change into open one. These structure transition sub-regions are also supported by the formation enthalpy of liquid alloys. Furthermore, the predicted enthalpy change between 1585 K and 1873 K is so large that there is probably liquid–liquid transition with temperature at FeSi₂ alloy which is an important thermoelectric material. Discussions have been made on the materials phenomenon of several Fe–Si alloys based on the structural information.     

Investigation of structural,electronic, elastic and phonon properties of cubic spinel ZnM2O4(M = Co,Rh and Ir) compounds

The results obtained from ab initio calculations on ZnM₂O₄ (M = Co, Rh and Ir) compounds have been reported. The elastic constants, Bulk, Shear and Young modulus, and Poisson's ratios of the compounds are presented. In addition, full phonon dispersion curves and projected density of states of the compounds have been computed using the direct method. The lattice parameters (a) and internal parameters (u) are found to be in a good agreement with experimental results. According to both the B/G values and the Poisson's ratio, these compounds have covalent bondings. The analysis of the band structure of these compounds have indicated indirect band gaps of 1.25 eV for ZnCo₂O₄ and 1.14 eV for ZnRh₂O₄ and 0.86 eV for ZnIr₂O₄. The full phonon spectra of these compounds show that they are dynamically stable in the cubic spinel structure.     

Phase stability,electronic, magnetic and elastic properties of Ni2CoZ(Z = Ga,Sn): A first principles study with GGA method and GGA+U approach

First principles calculations based on density functional theory are used to investigate the phase stability, electronic, magnetic and elastic properties of ferromagnetic metallic full-Heusler Ni₂CoZ(Z = Ga, Sn) alloys via the FP-LAPW method by the generalized gradient GGA and GGA+U approximations for the exchange and correlation energy, within the Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof (PBE 96) parameterization. The results of calculating electronic structures and magnetic properties reveal that the both Ni₂CoGa and Ni₂CoSn crystallize in L2₁ phase with regular cubic structure. The two investigated compounds exhibit metallic ferromagnetic behaviors for the GGA+U calculation. The computation of elastic constants with GGA+U approach shows that our compounds are mechanically stable.     

Enhanced structural and magnetic properties of microwave sintered Li–Ni–Co ferrites prepared by sol–gel method

The properties of lithium ferrites are very sensitive to chemical composition, synthesis method, and sintering techniques. Li–Ni–Co ferrites with compositional formula Li_(0.45-0.5x)Ni_(0.1)Co_xFe_(2.45-0.5x)O_4, where 0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.1 in steps of 0.02 were prepared by chemical sol–gel method and sintered by microwave sintering technique. The x-ray diffraction patterns confirmed the formation of single phase with spinel structure in all the samples. The structural parameter viz.lattice constant, crystallite size, and x-ray density for these samples were studied and compared with those measured from samples of similar composition prepared by the sol–gel method and sintered by conventional sintering technique. Enhancement in the magnetic properties like Curie temperature, hysteresis parameters was observed by employing sol–gel synthesis combined with microwave sintering. The results obtained and mechanisms involved are discussed in the paper.     

Effect of gamma irradiation on the structural,thermal and optical properties of Makrofol BL 2–4

Makrofol BL 2–4 is an extrusion film based on Makrolon polycarbonate. It comprises excellent die-cutting performance combined with high light transmission and moderate light scattering properties. It is a class of polymeric solid state nuclear track detectors which has many applications in various radiation detection fields. In the present work, Makrofol samples were irradiated using different gamma doses ranging from 10 to 350 kGy. The structural modifications in the gamma-irradiated Makrofol samples have been studied as a function of dose using different characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction, intrinsic viscosity, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, refractive index and color difference studies. The gamma irradiation in the dose range 20–200 kGy led to a more compact structure of Makrofol polymer, which resulted in an improvement in its thermal stability with an enhancement in its structural and optical properties.     

Quasi-two-dimensional diamond crystals: Deposition from a gaseous phase and structural–morphological properties

Diamond films predominantly consisting of plane micrometer-size crystallites with a thickness of several dozen nanometers have been deposited from a methane–hydrogen gas mixture activated by a dc gas discharge. The crystallite structure has been studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopy and diffraction. A possible mechanism of formation of plane crystallites during deposition of diamond from the gas phase has been discussed. It has been shown that the results agree with the theoretical concepts of formation of crystals with a face-centered cubic lattice.     

Contribution to the study of structural and elastic properties of wüstite under pressure up to 140 GPa by pseudopotential calculations

Using first-principles calculations based on the density functional theory and the generalized gradient approximations, we have studied the effect of high pressures up to 140 GPa on the structural and elastic properties of wüstite. Our results indicate that FeO undergoes a structural phase transition from NaCl-type (B1) to NiAs-type (B8) almost at the pressure of 77 GPa. The density increases across this transition by about 5%, which is a higher value than that obtained in other researches. We can clearly present the wüstite elastic properties and isotropic wave velocities which are not already studied in this range of pressure, and we could compare these results with the available experiment data, especially with that of PREM model.