arXiv subjects

Roi Baer

Publications and source records attributed to Roi Baer.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

arXiv2012

Quasiparticle spectra from a non-empirical optimally-tuned range-separated hybrid density functional

We present a method for obtaining outer valence quasiparticle excitation energies from a DFT-based calculation, with accuracy that is comparable to that of many-body perturbation theory within the GW approximation. The approach uses a range-separated hybrid density functional, with asymptotically exact and short-range fractional Fock exchange. The functional contains two parameters - the range separation and the short-range Fock fraction. Both are determined non-empirically, per system, based on satisfaction of exact physical constraints for the ionization potential and many-electron self-interaction, respectively. The accuracy of the method is demonstrated on four important benchmark organic molecules: perylene, pentacene, 3,4,9,10-perylene-tetracarboxylic-dianydride (PTCDA) and 1,4,5,8-naphthalene-tetracarboxylic dianhydride (NTCDA). We envision that for finite systems the approach could provide an inexpensive alternative to GW, opening the door to the study of presently out of reach large-scale systems.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2012

Curvature and frontier orbital energies in density functional theory

Perdew et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett 49, 1691 (1982)] discovered and proved two different properties of exact Kohn-Sham density functional theory (DFT): (i) The exact total energy versus particle number is a series of linear segments between integer electron points; (ii) Across an integer number of electrons, the exchange-correlation potential may "jump" by a constant, known as the derivative discontinuity (DD). Here, we show analytically that in both the original and the generalized Kohn-Sham formulation of DFT, the two are in fact two sides of the same coin. Absence of a derivative discontinuity necessitates deviation from piecewise linearity, and the latter can be used to correct for the former, thereby restoring the physical meaning of the orbital energies. Using selected small molecules, we show that this results in a simple correction scheme for any underlying functional, including semi-local and hybrid functionals as well as Hartree-Fock theory, suggesting a practical correction for the infamous gap problem of DFT. Moreover, we show that optimally-tuned range-separated hybrid functionals can inherently minimize both DD and curvature, thus requiring no correction, and show that this can be used as a sound theoretical basis for novel tuning strategies.

cond-mat.other↗

arXiv2010

Theory of multiexciton generation in semiconductor nanocrystals

We develop a generalized framework based on a Green's function formalism to calculate the efficiency of multiexciton gen-eration in nanocrystal quantum dots. The direct/indirect absorption and coherent/incoherent impact ionization mechanisms, often used to describe multiexciton generation in nanocrystals, are reviewed and rederived from the unified theory as certain approximations. In addition, two new limits are described systematically - the weak Coulomb coupling limit and the semi-wide band limit. We show that the description of multiexciton generation in nanocrystals can be described as incoherent process and we discuss the scaling of multiexciton generation with respect to the photon energy and nanocrystal size. Illustrations are given for three prototype systems: CdSe, InAs and silicon quantum dots.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2010

Fundamental gaps of finite systems from the eigenvalues of a generalized Kohn-Sham method

We present a broadly-applicable, physically-motivated first-principles approach to determining the fundamental gap of finite systems. The approach is based on using a range-separated hybrid functional within the generalized Kohn-Sham approach to density functional theory. Its key element is the choice of a range-separation parameter such that Koopmans' theorem for both the neutral and anionic is obeyed as closely as possible. We demonstrate the validity, accuracy, and advantages of this approach on first, second, and third row atoms, the oligoacene family of molecules, and a set of hydrogen-passivated silicon nanocrystals. This extends the quantitative usage of density functional theory to an area long believed to be outside its reach.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2010

Can impact excitation explain efficient carrier multiplication in carbon nanotube photodiodes?

We address recent experiments (Science 325, 1367 (2009)) reporting on highly efficient multiplication of electron-hole pairs in carbon nanotube photodiodes at photon energies near the carrier multiplication threshold (twice the quasi-particle band gap). This result is surprising in light of recent experimental and theoretical work on multiexciton generation in other confined materials, such as semiconducting nanocrystals. We propose a detailed mechanism based on carrier dynamics and impact excitation resulting in highly efficient multiplication of electron-hole pairs. We discuss the important time and energy scales of the problem and provide analysis of the role of temperature and the length of the diode.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2010

Ground-state degeneracies leave recognizable topological scars in the one-particle density

In Kohn-Sham density functional theory (KS-DFT) a fictitious system of non-interacting particles is constructed having the same ground-state (GS) density as the physical system of interest. A fundamental open question in DFT concerns the ability of an exact KS calculation to spot and characterize the GS degeneracies in the physical system. In this article we provide theoretical evidence suggesting that the GS density, as a function of position on a 2D manifold of parameters affecting the external potential, is "topologically scarred" in a distinct way by degeneracies. These scars are sufficiently detailed to enable determination of the positions of degeneracies and even the associated Berry phases. We conclude that an exact KS calculation can spot and characterize the degeneracies of the physical system.

physics.chem-ph↗

arXiv2009

A new generalized Kohn-Sham method for fundamental band-gaps in solids

We developed a method for calculating solid-state ground-state properties and fundamental band-gaps using a generalized Kohn-Sham approach combining a local density approximation (LDA) functional with a long-range explicit exchange orbital functional. We found that when the range parameter is selected according to the formula γ=A/(\eps_\inf - \eps_\tilde) where \eps_\inf is the optical dielectric constant of the solid and \eps_\tilde= 0.84 and A= 0.216a0^(-1), predictions of the fundamental band-gap close to the experimental values are obtained for a variety of solids of different types. For most solids the range parameter γis small (i.e. explicit exchange is needed only at long distances) so the predicted values for lattice constants and bulk modulii are similar to those based on conventional LDA calculations.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2008

Prevalence of the adiabatic exchange-correlation potential approximation in time-dependent density functional theory

Time-dependent (TD) density functional theory (TDDFT) promises a numerically tractable account of many-body electron dynamics provided good simple approximations are developed for the exchange-correlation (XC) potential functional (XCPF). The theory is usually applied within the adiabatic XCPF approximation, appropriate for slowly varying TD driving fields. As the frequency and strength of these fields grows, it is widely held that memory effects kick in and the eligibility of the adiabatic XCPF approximation deteriorates irreversibly. We point out however that when a finite system of electrons in its ground-state is gradually exposed to a very a high-frequency and eventually ultra-strong homogeneous electric field, the adiabatic XCPF approximation is in fact rigorously applicable. This result not only helps to explain recent numerical results for a 1D-helium atom subject to a strong linearly-polarized laser pulse (Thiel et al, Phys. Rev. Lett. 100, 153004, (2008)) but also shows that it is applicable to any number of electrons and in full 3D.

cond-mat.other↗

arXiv2008

A density functional theory for symmetric radical cations from bonding to dissociation

It is known for quite some time that approximate density functional (ADF) theories fail disastrously when describing the dis-sociative symmetric radical cations R2+. Considering this dissociation limit, previous work has shown that Hartree-Fock (HF) theory favors the R+1--R0 charge distribution while DF approximations favor the R+0.5 -- R+0.5. Yet, general quantum mechanical principles indicate that both these (as well as all intermediate) average charge distributions are asymptotically energy degenerate. Thus HF and ADF theories mistakenly break the symmetry but in a contradicting way. In this letter we show how to construct system-dependent long-range corrected (LC) density functionals that can successfully treat this class of molecules, avoiding the spurious symmetry breaking. Examples and comparisons to experimental data is given for R=H, He and Ne and it is shown that the new LC theory improves considerably the theoretical description of the R2+ bond properties, the long range form of the asymptotic potential curve as well as the atomic polarizability. The broader impact of this finding is discussed as well and it is argued that the widespread semi-empirical approach which advocates treating the LC parameter as a system-independent parameter is in fact inappropriate under general circumstances.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2008

Distribution of carrier multiplication rates in CdSe and InAs nanocrystals

The distribution of rates of carrier multiplication (CM) following photon absorption is calculated for semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs). The NC electronic structure is described using a screened pseudopotential method known to give reliable description of NC excitons. The rates of biexciton generation are calculated using the Fermi golden rule with all relevant Coulomb matrix elements, taking into account proper selection rules. In CdSe and InAs NCs we find a broad distribution biexciton generation rates depending strongly on the exciton energy and size of the NC. The process becomes inefficient for NC exceeding 3 nm in diameter in the photon energy range of 2-3 times the band gap.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2007

Theory of resonance energy transfer involving nanocrystals: the role of high multipoles

A theory for the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between a pair of semiconducting nanocrystal quantum dots is developed. Two types of donor-acceptor couplings for the FRET rate are described: dipole-dipole (d-d) and the dipole-quadrupole (d-q) coupling. The theory builds on a simple effective mass model which is used to relate the FRET rate to measureable quantities such as the nanocrystal size, fundamental gap, effective mass, exciton radius and dielectric constant. We discuss the relative contribution to the FRET rate of the different multipole terms, the role of strong to weak confinement limits, and the effects of nanocrystal siz-es.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2007

Adapting approximate memory potentials for time-dependent density functional theory

Frequency dependent exchange correlation kernels for time-dependent density functional theory can be used to construct approximate exchange-correlation potentials. The resulting potentials are usually not translationally covariant nor do they obey the so-called zero-force condition. These two basic symme-try requirements are essential for using the potentials in actual applications (even within the linear re-sponse regime). We provide two pragmatic methods for imposing these conditions. As an example we take the Gross and Kohn (GK) frequency dependent XC functional (Phys. Rev.Lett. 55, 2850 (1985)), correct it, and numerically test it on a sodium metal cluster. Violation of the basic symme-tries causes instabilities or spurious low frequency modes.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2007

On the Mapping of Time-Dependent Densities onto Potentials in Quantum Mechanics

The mapping of time-dependent densities on potentials in quantum mechanics is critically examined. The issue is of significance ever since Runge and Gross (Phys. Rev. Lett. 52, 997 (1984)) established the uniqueness of the mapping, forming a theoretical basis for time-dependent density functional theory. We argue that besides existence (so called v-representability) and uniqueness there is an important question of stability and chaos. Studying a 2-level system we find innocent, almost constant densities that cannot be constructed from any potential (non-existence). We further show via a Lyapunov analysis that the mapping of densities on potentials has chaotic regions in this case. In real space the situation is more subtle. V-representability is formally assured but the mapping is often chaotic making the actual construction of the potential almost impossible. The chaotic nature of the mapping, studied for the first time here, has serious consequences regarding the possibility of using TDDFT in real-time settings.

cond-mat.other↗

arXiv2007

Conical intersections induced by the Renner effect in polyatomic molecules

Characterizing and localizing electronic energy degeneracies is important for describ-ing and controlling electronic energy flow in molecules. We show, using topological phase considerations that the Renner effect in polyatomic molecules with more than 3 nuclei is necessarily accompanied by 'satellite' conical intersections. In these intersections the non-adiabatic coupling term is on the average half an integer. We present ab-inito results on the tetra-atomic radical cation C2H2+ to demonstrate the theory

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2007

A well-tempered density functional theory of electrons in molecules

Reporting extensions of a recently developed approach to density functional theory with correct long-range be-havior (Phys. Rev. Lett. 94, 043002 (2005)). The central quantities are a splitting functional gamma[n] and a complementary exchange-correlation functional. We give a practical method for determining the value of γin molecules, assuming an approximation for XC energy is given. The resulting theory shows good ability to reproduce the ionization potentials for various molecules. However it is not of sufficient accuracy for forming a satisfactory framework for studying molecular properties. A somewhat different approach is then adopted, which depends on a density-independent γand an additional parameter w eliminating part of the local exchange functional. The values of these two parameters are obtained by best-fitting to experimental atomization energies and bond-lengths of the molecules in the G2(1) database. The optimized values are gamma=0.5 a_0^{-1} and w=0.1 . We then examine the performance of this slightly semi-empirical functional for a variety of molecular properties, comparing to related works and to experiment. We show that this approach can be used for describing in a satisfactory manner a broad range of molecular properties, be they static or dynamic. Most satisfactory is the ability to describe valence, Rydberg and inter-molecular charge-transfer excitations.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2006

Inelastic effects in Aharonov-Bohm molecular interferometer

Inelastic effects arising from electron-phonon coupling in molecular Aharonov-Bohm (AB) interferometers are studied using the nonequilibrium Green's function method. Results for the magnetoconductance are compared for different values of the electron-phonon coupling strength. At low bias voltages, the coupling to the phonons does not change the lifetime and leads mainly to scattering phase shifts of the conducting electrons. Surprisingly, opposite to the behavior of an electrical gate, the magnetoconductance of the molecular AB interferometer becomes more sensitive to the threading magnetic flux as the electron-phonon coupling is increased.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2005

Quantum memory effects on the dynamics of electrons in gold clusters

Electron dynamics in metallic clusters are examined using a time-dependent density functional theory that in-cludes a "memory term", i.e. attempts to describe temporal non-local correlations. Using the Iwamoto, Gross and Kohn exchange-correlation (XC) kernel we construct a translationally invariant memory action from which an XC potential is derived that is translationally covariant and exerts zero net force on the electrons. An efficient and stable numerical method to solve the resulting Kohn-Sham equations is presented. Using this framework, we study memory effects on electron dynamics in spherical Jellium "gold clusters". We find memory significantly broadens the surface plasmon absorption line, yet considerably less than measured in real gold clusters, attributed to the inadequacy of the Jellium model. Two-dimensional pump-probe spectroscopy is used to study the temporal decay profile of the plasmon, finding a fast decay followed by slower tail. Finally, we examine memory effects on high harmonic generation, finding memory narrows emission lines.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2005

Quantum memory effects on the dynamics of electrons in small gold clusters

Electron dynamics in metallic clusters are examined using a time-dependent density functional theory that includes a 'memory term', i.e. attempts to describe temporal non-local correlations. Using the Iwamoto, Gross and Kohn exchange-correlation (XC) kernel we construct a translationally invariant memory action from which an XC potential is derived that is translationally covariant and exerts zero net force on the electrons. An efficient and stable numerical method to solve the resulting Kohn-Sham equations is presented. Using this framework, we study memory effects on electron dynamics in spherical Jellium 'gold clusters'. We find memory significantly broadens the surface plasmon absorption line, yet considerably less than measured in real gold clusters, attributed to the inadequacy of the Jellium model. Two-dimensional pump-probe spectroscopy is used to study the temporal decay profile of the plasmon, finding a fast decay followed by slower tail. Finally, we examine memory effects on high harmonic generation, finding memory narrows emission lines.

cond-mat.str-el↗