Modeling L-edge spectra at X-ray wavelengths requires consideration of spin–orbit splitting of the 2p orbitals. We introduce a low-cost tool to compute core-level spectra that combines a spin–orbit mean-field description of the Breit–Pauli Hamiltonian with nonrelativistic excited states computed using the semi-empirical density-functional theory configuration-interaction singles (DFT/CIS) method, within the state-interaction approach. Our version of DFT/CIS was introduced recently for K-edge spectra and includes a semi-empirical correction to the core orbital energies, significantly reducing ad hoc shifts that are typically required when time-dependent (TD-)DFT is applied to core-level excitations. In combination with the core/valence separation approximation and spin–orbit couplings, the DFT/CIS method affords semiquantitative L-edge spectra at CIS cost. Spin–orbit coupling has a qualitative effect on the spectra, as demonstrated for a variety of 3d transition metal systems and main-group compounds. The use of different active orbital spaces helps to facilitate spectral assignments. We find that spin–orbit splitting has a negligible effect on M-edge spectra for 3d transition metal species.
more »
« less
Ab initio composite strategies and multireference approaches for lanthanide sulfides and selenides
The f-block ab initio correlation consistent composite approach was used to predict the dissociation energies of lanthanide sulfides and selenides. Geometry optimizations were carried out using density functional theory and coupled cluster singles, doubles, and perturbative triples with one- and two-component Hamiltonians. For the two-component calculations, relativistic effects were accounted for by utilizing a third-order Douglas–Kroll–Hess Hamiltonian. Spin–orbit coupling was addressed with the Breit–Pauli Hamiltonian within a multireference configuration interaction approach. The state averaged complete active space self-consistent field wavefunctions obtained for the spin–orbit coupling energies were used to assign the ground states of diatomics, and several diagnostics were used to ascertain the multireference character of the molecules.
more »
« less
- Award ID(s):
- 1900086
- PAR ID:
- 10339924
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- The Journal of Chemical Physics
- Volume:
- 157
- Issue:
- 2
- ISSN:
- 0021-9606
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 024105
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
More Like this
-
-
The millimeter/submillimeter-wave spectrum of the SiP radical (X 2 Π i ) has been recorded using direct absorption spectroscopy in the frequency range of 151–532 GHz. SiP was synthesized in an AC discharge from the reaction of SiH 4 and gas-phase phosphorus, in argon carrier gas. Both spin–orbit ladders were observed. Fifteen rotational transitions were measured originating in the Ω = 3/2 ladder, and twelve in the Ω = 1/2 substate, each exhibiting lambda doubling and, at lower frequencies, hyperfine interactions from the phosphorus nuclear spin of I = 1/2. The lambda-doublets in the Ω = 1/2 levels appeared to be perturbed at higher J, with the f component deviating from the predicted pattern, likely due to interactions with the nearby excited A 2 Σ + electronic state, where ΔE Π-Σ ∼ 430 cm −1 . The data were analyzed using a Hund’s case a β Hamiltonian and rotational, spin–orbit, lambda-doubling, and hyperfine parameters were determined. A 2 Π/ 2 Σ deperturbation analysis was also performed, considering spin–orbit, spin-electronic, and L-uncoupling interactions. Although SiP is clearly not a hydride, the deperturbed parameters derived suggest that the pure precession hypothesis may be useful in assessing the 2 Π/ 2 Σ interaction. Interpretation of the Fermi contact term, b F , the spin-dipolar constant, c, and the nuclear spin-orbital parameter, a, indicates that the orbital of the unpaired electron is chiefly p π in character. The bond length in the v = 0 level was found to be r 0 = 2.076 Å, suggestive of a double bond between the silicon and phosphorus atoms.more » « less
-
Strong electron correlation plays an important role in transition-metal and heavy-metal chemistry, magnetic molecules, bond breaking, biradicals, excited states, and many functional materials, but it provides a significant challenge for modern electronic structure theory. The treatment of strongly correlated systems usually requires a multireference method to adequately describe spin densities and near-degeneracy correlation. However, quantitative computation of dynamic correlation with multireference wave functions is often difficult or impractical. Multiconfiguration pair-density functional theory (MC-PDFT) provides a way to blend multiconfiguration wave function theory and density functional theory to quantitatively treat both near-degeneracy correlation and dynamic correlation in strongly correlated systems; it is more affordable than multireference perturbation theory, multireference configuration interaction, or multireference coupled cluster theory and more accurate for many properties than Kohn–Sham density functional theory. This perspective article provides a brief introduction to strongly correlated systems and previously reviewed progress on MC-PDFT followed by a discussion of several recent developments and applications of MC-PDFT and related methods, including localized-active-space MC-PDFT, generalized active-space MC-PDFT, density-matrix-renormalization-group MC-PDFT, hybrid MC-PDFT, multistate MC-PDFT, spin–orbit coupling, analytic gradients, and dipole moments. We also review the more recently introduced multiconfiguration nonclassical-energy functional theory (MC-NEFT), which is like MC-PDFT but allows for other ingredients in the nonclassical-energy functional. We discuss two new kinds of MC-NEFT methods, namely multiconfiguration density coherence functional theory and machine-learned functionals.more » « less
-
We report the observation and analysis of a new electronic transition in gas-phase vanadium hydride (VH), identified as the C′5Δ–X5Δ (1,0) band with an origin at 14,015 cm− 1 (714 nm). The spectrum was recorded by laser excitation spectroscopy, with laser-induced fluorescence detected to the X5Δ (v =1) level. Dispersed fluorescence measurements enabled a detailed characterization of the vibrationally excited ground state, yielding a vibrational interval of ΔG1/2 = 1606.6(2) cm− 1 . Despite the presence of significant local perturbations—particularly in the Ω =0 and 1 spin components of the C′5Δ state—a full rotational analysis of the spectrum using a Hund’s case (a) Hamiltonian was achieved. Spectroscopic constants including rotational, spin–orbit, spin–rotation, and Λ-doubling parameters are reported for both the new C′5Δ state and the X5Δ (v = 1) level. Additionally, we observed a small local perturbation in the X5Δ₁ (v =1) level near J =9, attributed to homogeneous spin–orbit and heterogeneous L-uncoupling interactions with the previously analyzed A5Π (v =0) state. An X5Δ ~ A5Π coupled Hamiltonian was used to model this perturbation and yielded interaction parameters roughly consistent with semi-empirical estimates. This work represents only the second analyzed spectroscopic transition of gas-phase VH.more » « less
-
We develop a symmetry-based low-energy theory for monolayer \mathrm{WTe}_2 W T e 2 in its 1T ^{\prime} ′ phase, which includes eight bands (four orbitals, two spins). This modelreduces to the conventional four-band spin-degenerate Dirac model nearthe Dirac points of the material. We show that measurements of the spinsusceptibility, and of the magnitude and time dependence of theanomalous Hall conductivity induced by injected or equilibrium spinpolarization can be used to determine the magnitude and form of thespin-orbit coupling Hamiltonian, as well as the dimensionless tilt ofthe Dirac bands.more » « less
An official website of the United States government

