Anharmonic Raman spectra in high-pressure ice from ab initio simulations

We calculate from ab initio molecular dynamics the Raman scattering of high-pressure ice. To this effect we apply a new method based on the Berry phase theory of polarization. Our results are in agreement with recent and difficult experiments and are compatible with a picture in which ice VII is a proton-disordered system and in ice X the hydrogen bond is symmetric.     

Raman and infrared spectra,conformational stability,ab initio calculations and vibrational assignment of dimethylsilylisocyanate

The Raman (3200‐30 cm⁻¹) and/or infrared spectra (3500 to 400 cm⁻¹) of gaseous, liquid and solid dimethylsilylisocyanate, (CH₃)₂ Si(H)NCO, have been recorded. The MP2(full) calculations, employing a variety of basis sets with and without diffusion functions, have been used to predict the structural parameters, conformational stability, vibrational fundamental wavenumbers, Raman activities, depolarization values and infrared intensities to support the vibrational assignment. The low wavenumber Raman spectrum of the gas with a significant number of Q‐branches for the SiNC(O) bend is consistent with an essentially linear SiNCO moiety. The ab initio calculations supported this conclusion as all possible orientations of the NCO moiety lead to nearly the same energy. This result is at variance with the conclusion from the electron diffraction study that the heavy atom skeleton was bent with an angle of 152(5)° with one stable cis conformer. It is believed that this reported angle difference from 180° is due to the shrinkage effect. The SiH distance of 1.486 Å has been obtained from the isolated SiH stretching wavenumber. From the adjustment of the ab initio MP2(full)/6‐311+G(d,p) predicted structural parameters, a proposed structure is reported, which is expected to give rotational constants within a few megahertz of the actual ones. These experimental and theoretical results are compared with the corresponding quantities of similar molecules. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

TiC lattice dynamics from ab initio calculations

Ab initio calculations and a direct method have been applied to derive the phonon dispersion curves and phonon density of states for the TiC crystal. The results are compared and found to be in a good agreement with the experimental neutron scattering data. The force constants have been determined from the Hellmann-Feynman forces induced by atomic displacements in a supercell. The calculated phonon density of states suggests that vibrations of Ti atoms form acoustic branches, whereas the motion of C atoms is confined to optic branches. The elastic constants have been found using the deformation method and compared with the results obtained from acoustic phonon slopes. Received 23 February 1998     

Laser heating versus phonon confinement effect in the Raman spectra of diamond nanoparticles

In this study, PbSe nanocubes were obtained by high-energy milling, and their optical properties were investigated by measuring the UV?CVIS?CIR spectra in the range of 200?C2,000?nm. The optical absorption of all samples showed a strong UV emission band at 1.45?eV. Previously, to obtain only PbSe nanocubes, an intermediate phase was identified, PbSeO₃. Although both PbSeO₃ and PbSe were traced through this study, a major effort is devoted to characterize the latter. To trace how chemical transitions evolve from precursors to PbSe, X-ray diffraction and Rietveld refinement were carried out. Therefore, the following parameters were evaluated as a function of milling time: phase percentages, area-to-volume ratio, average crystallite dimensions, specific surface area, and morphology changes. To corroborate previous findings, nitrogen adsorption and transmission electron microscopy techniques were used. All the set experimental results unambiguously confirm that crystallites show a cubic morphology, with its average crystallite size distribution being around 24?nm.     

Non-random Be-to-Zn substitution in ZnBeSe alloys: Raman scattering and ab initio calculations

We show how the 1-bond ↦ 2-mode percolation behaviour, as observed in the transverse optical (TO) Raman spectra of several A_1-xB_xC semiconductor (SC) alloys, can be used to detect and to estimate a possible deviation from randomness in the A↔B substitution. As a case study we focus on the Zn_1-xBe_xSe system, which shows an uniquely well-resolved percolation-type TO fine structure in the spectral range of Be–Se vibrations, and discuss differences in the Be–Se Raman signals from bulk crystals and epitaxial layers. In the epilayers, the longer (shorter) Be–Se bonds from the BeSe-like (ZnSe-like) region appear to be slightly but systematically over- (sub-) represented with respect to the random case. This indicates a trend towards local ordering in analogy with the known case of InGaP₂. The discussion is supported by ab initio insight into the phonon/bond length properties of a prototype ZnBeSe supercell at x ~ 0.5 in their dependence on the amount of CuPt ordering (the most frequent type of spontaneous ordering). Besides, the ab initio calculations reveal some singularity in the lattice dynamics/relaxation around the intermediate value of the order parameter η ~ 0.5, coinciding with the so far experimentally achievable limit of CuPt spontaneous ordering.     

Conformational and structural studies of n‐propylamine from temperature dependent Raman and far infrared spectra of xenon solutions and ab initio calculations

The Raman and infrared spectra (4000 to 50 cm^–1) of the gas, liquid or solution, and solid have been recorded of n‐propylamine, CH₃CH₂CH₂NH₂. Variable temperature (−60 to −100 °C) studies of the Raman (1175 to 625 cm^–1) and far infrared (600 to 10 cm^–1) spectra dissolved in liquid xenon were carried out. From these data, the five possible conformers were identified and their relative stabilities obtained with enthalpy difference relative to trans–trans (Tt) for trans–gauche (Tg) of 79 ± 9 cm^–1 (0.9 ± 0.1 kJ/mol); for Gg of 91 ± 26 cm^–1 (1.08 ± 0.3 kJ/mol); for Gg′ of 135 ± 21 cm^–1 (1.61 ± 0.2 kJ/mol); for Gt of 143 ± 11 cm^–1 (1.71 ± 0.1 kJ/mol). The percentage of the five conformers is estimated to be 18% for the Tt, 24 ± 1% for Tg, 23 ± 3% for Gg, 18 ± 1% for Gg′ and 18 ± 1% for Gt at ambient temperature. The conformational stabilities have been predicted from ab initio calculations utilizing several different basis sets up to aug‐cc‐pVTZ from both second‐order Møller–Plesset (MP2, full) and density functional theory calculations by the Becke, three‐parameter, Lee–Yang–Parr method. Vibrational assignments were provided for the observed bands for all five conformers, which are supported by MP2(full)/6‐31G(d) ab initio calculations to predict harmonic force constants, wavenumbers, infrared intensities, Raman activities and depolarization ratios for both conformers. Estimated r₀ structural parameters were obtained from adjusted MP2(full)/6‐311+G(d,p) calculations. The results are discussed and compared with the corresponding properties of some related molecules. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mechanical and dynamical stability of TiAsTe compound from ab initio calculations

The first-principles calculations are employed to provide a fundamental understanding of the structural features and relative thermodynamical, mechanical and phonon stability of TiAsTe compound. The calculated lattice parameters are in good agreement with available experimental results. We have computed elastic constants, its derived moduli and ratios that characterize mechanical properties for the first time. The calculated elastic constants indicate that these materials are mechanically stable at ambient condition. The minimum thermal conductivities of TiAsTe are calculated using both Clarke’s model and Cahill’s model. Furthermore, the elastic anisotropy has been visualized in detail by plotting the directional dependence of compressibility, Young’s modulus and shear modulus. Our results suggest strong elastic anisotropy for this compound. Additionally, the phonon spectra and phonon density of states are also obtained and discussed. The full phonon dispersion calculations confirm the dynamic stability of TiAsTe.     

Paramagnetic susceptibility of ferrite and cementite obtained from ab initio calculations

Paramagnetic susceptibility of BCC ferrite (α$\mathrm{\alpha }$-Fe) and of cementite (Fe₃C), was calculated in a temperature range above the Curie point, using a density functional-based method in conjunction with statistical approximations. The electronic structure and the magnetic energy of both systems were calculated using the full potential linear augmented plane wave (FPLAPW) method as implemented in the Wien2k Code. The temperature effect was captured by introducing the Boltzmann statistical distribution to describe the orientation perturbation of the magnetic moments caused by thermal agitation. The magnetic moment was calculated in the temperature range from 1045 to 1175 K for alpha-iron and from 540 to 640 K for cementite. The modeling was performed for applied magnetic fields ranging from 1–2 T. The main assumption was that the effect of temperature and that of the applied magnetic field can be decoupled and, consequently, be treated separately. The calculated moments were used to estimate the paramagnetic susceptibility according to the linear relation χ=M/B$\chi =M/B$ well established for paramagnetic systems. The calculated values were compared with published experimental measurements for iron and with values obtained from the Curie–Weiss law for cementite.     

Predicting Raman Spectra with ab initio Calculations

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Second-order Raman spectra of CsCl single crystals

The second-order Raman spectra of CsCl single crystals have been measured at room temperature for different Raman polarizations and crystal orientations. With the help of the calculated selection rules for a CsCl-type lattice, observed nineteen peaks and shoulders were assigned by the critical point analysis based on the neutron scattering data. By comparing the observed Raman intensities with the thermally weighted two-phonon density-of-states calculated by using a simple shell model, it has turned out that though the measured spectra are dominantly determined by the two-phonon density-of-states, the effect of the q-dependence of the polarizability cannot entirely be neglected.     

Determination of the molecular dipole moment of bromofluoromethane: Microwave Stark spectra and ab initio calculations

The electric dipole moment of bromofluoromethane, CH₂⁷⁹BrF, has been determined with a good accuracy by observing the second order ΔM_J = 0 Stark spectrum of the J = 3_2,1 ← 3_1,2, J = 5_2,3 ← 5_1,4 and J = 5_2,4 ← 5_1,5 rotational transitions. In addition, the equilibrium geometry and dipole moment have been evaluated using highly accurate ab initio calculations. By comparing the experimental [μ_a = 0.3466(11) D and μ_b = 1.704(26) D] and theoretical [μ_a = −0.339 D and μ_b = −1.701 D] dipole moment components, a very good agreement has been found.     

Raman and infrared spectra,conformational stability,vibrational assignment,barriers to internal rotation and ab initio calculations of but-2-enoyl chloride

The Raman (3500–10 cm⁻¹) and infrared (3200–50 cm⁻¹) spectra were recorded for the fluid and solid phases of but-2-enoyl chloride (crotonyl chloride), trans-CH₃CHCHCClO, where the methyl group is trans to the CClO group, and a complete vibrational assignment is proposed. These data were interpreted on the basis that the s-trans (anti) form (two double bonds oriented trans to one another) is the most stable form in the fluid phases and the only conformer remaining in the solid state. The asymmetric torsional fundamental of the more stable s-trans and the higher energy s-cis (syn) form were observed at 97.5 and 86.9 cm⁻¹, respectively. From these data the asymmetric potential function governing the internal rotation about the C C bond was determined. The potential coefficients are V₁ = −111 ± 2, V₂ = 1860 ± 48, V₃ = 6 ± 2, V₄, = −43 ± 24 and V₆ = −22 ± 6. The s-trans to s-cis and s-cis to s-trans barriers were determined to be 1890 and 1785 cm⁻¹, respectively, with an enthalpy difference between the conformers of 105 ± 52 cm⁻¹ [300 ± 149 cal mol⁻¹ (1 cal = 4.184 J)]. Similarly, the barrier governing internal rotation of the CH₃ group for the s-trans conformer was also determined to be 912 ± 30 (2.61 ± 0.09 kcal mol⁻¹) from the torsional fundamental observed in the far-infared spectrum of the gas. All these data were compared with the corresponding quantities obtained from ab initio Hartree–Fock gradient calculations employing the RHF/3–21G*, RHF/6–31G* and/or MP2/6–31G* basis sets. These results were compared with the corresponding quantities for some similar molecules.     

Application of self-consistent-field ab initio calculations to organic molecules

The local symmetry force constants of propene have been calculated from extended (4–31 G) self-consistent-field ab initio energies. The previously developed scaling method was used to adjust seven scale factors on 84 observed frequencies of propene and deuterated analogues. The latter were taken from the literature. The average difference between observed and calculated frequencies amounted to 8·3 cm^-1 or 0·63 per cent. The stretching force constant of the carbon-carbon single bond was found to be 0·3–0·4 mdyn Å^-1 larger than those of ethane and propane. Force constants of the CH₃ groups in the series: ethane, propane, propene, methanol and dimethyl ether, written in local symmetry coordinates, seem to be transferable within about 2 per cent. Individual CH bond stretching force constants, written in internal coordinates, show significant chemical variations.     

Torsional potential of 1,3-butadiene: ab initio calculations

Accurate torsional potentials and torsional barriers are derived for the 1,3-butadiene molecule using state-of-the-art coupled-cluster (CC) methods. The basis set effect, and the performance of different ab initio methodologies with respect to the CC calculations, have been carefully addressed. The CC results obtained here provide an excellent compromise between accuracy and computational cost, which can be extended to other systems.     

Ab initio calculations of phonon transport in ZnO and ZnS

We present an approach to calculate ballistic phonon transport that combines the atomistic Green’s function (AGF) method with ab initio results. For the interatomic potential we use the harmonic approach. The equilibrium positions of the atoms and the interatomic force constants (ifcs) are calculated using the ABINIT program package [X. Gonze et al., Z. Kristallogr. 220, 558 (2005)], which is based on density functional theory. Therefore, the presented approach is parameter free. From the Green’s function of the system we determine the density of states as well as the transmission function. The thermal conductance is obtained within the linear response regime. We apply this approach to bulk ZnO and bulk ZnS. Transmission functions for different transport directions for each material are presented. A comparison of the transmission function shows, that a ZnO/ZnS interface could be a promising phonon blocker. Adding such interfaces in ZnO or ZnS based thermoelectric devices could therefore increase the figure of merit.     

Refining Fermi surface topologies from ab initio calculations through momentum density spectroscopies

It is well known that the agreement between the Fermi surface topologies predicted by ab initio electronic structure calculations and experiment can often be brought into much better agreement through small rigid-band-like shifts. A new method for refining these calculations using experimental data containing Fermi surface information, based on a rigid-band-like fitting approach is presented. In this method, experimental data from different methods can be combined to refine and deliver a ‘tuned’ bandstructure, allowing an investigation of FS nesting properties, a quantitative comparison between experiment and calculation, and highlighting the origin of inconsistencies. Results of the application of this method to positron annihilation experiments in vanadium are presented, showing significant improvement over the ab initio calculation. In order to demonstrate the versatility of this fitting method, it has been applied to a combination of positron annihilation measurements and magnetic Compton scattering experiments in ferromagnetic nickel.