Density functional theory correction schemes

It is important to realize that each of the electronic-structure methods discussed above displays certain shortcomings in reproducing the correct band structure of the host crystal and consequently the positions of defect levels. Hartree-Fock methods severely overestimate the semiconductor band gap, sometimes by several electron volts (Estreicher, 1988). In semi-empirical methods, the situation is usually even worse, and the band structure may not be reliably represented (Deak and Snyder, 1987 Besson et al., 1988). Density-functional theory, on the other hand, provides a quite accurate description of the band structure, except for an underestimation of the band gap (by up to 50%). Indeed, density-functional theory predicts conduction bands and hence conduction-band-derived energy levels to be too low. This problem has been studied in great detail, and its origins are well understood (see, e.g., Hybertsen and Louie, 1986). To solve it, however, requires techniques of many-body theory and carrying out a quasi-particle calculation. Such calculational schemes are presently prohibitively complex and too computationally demanding to apply to defect calculations. 

All calculations presented here are based on density-functional theory [37] (DFT) within the LDA and LSD approximations. The Kohn-Sham orbitals [38] are expanded in a plane wave (PW) basis set, with a kinetic energy cutoff of 70 Ry. The Ceperley-Alder expression for correlation and gradient corrections of the Becke-Perdew type are used [39]. We employ ah initio pseudopotentials, generated by use of the Troullier-Martins scheme [40], The coreradii used, in au, were 1.23 for the s, p atomic orbitals of carbon, 1.12 for s, p of N, 0.5 for the s of H, and 1.9, 2.0, 1.5, 1.97,... 

One of the drawbacks with density functional theory is that there is as yet no systematic way in which to improve a particular method, in a fashion similar to, e.g., MBPT or Cl expansions used in HF-theory. By necessity, the application of DFT based methods has to be pragmatic, and each functional form must be assessed on its own merits and improved models suggested. At present, a large body of literature is becoming available on the performance of the abovementioned correction schemes, that will form the basis for improved versions, entirely new functionals, or new combined schemes along the lines suggested through the B3 hybrid functional. 

If not mentioned otherwise, all the calculations presented in the next sections use the original Car-Parrinello scheme based on (gradient-corrected) density functional theory in the framework of a pseudo potential approach and a basis set of plane waves. 

Density Functional theory [4] (DFT) has been widely recognized as a powerful alternative computational method to traditional ab initio schemes, particularly in studies of transition metal complexes where large size of basis set and an explicit treatment of electron correlation are required. The local spin density approximation [5] (LDA) is the most frequently applied approach within the families of approximate DFT schemes. It has been used extensively in studies on solids and molecules. Most properties obtained by the LDA scheme are in better agreement with experiments [4a] than data estimated by ab initio calculations at the Hartree-Fock level. However, bond energies are usually overestimated by LDA. Thus, gradient or nonlocal corrections [6] have been introduced to rectify the shortcomings in the LDA. The non-... 

An overview of relativistic density functional theory (RDFT) is presented with special emphasis on its field theoretical foundations and the construction of relativistic density functionals. A summary of quantum electrodynamics (QED) for bound states provides the background for the discussion of the relativistic generalization of the Hohenberg-Kohn theorem and the effective single-particle equations of RDFT. In particular, the renormalization procedure of bound state QED is reviewed in some detail. Knowledge of this renormalization scheme is pertinent for a careful derivation of the RDFT concept which necessarily has to reflect all the features of QED, such as transverse and vacuum corrections. This aspect not only shows up in the existence proof of RDFT, but also leads to an extended form of the single-particle equations which includes radiative corrections. The need for renormalization is also evident in the construction of explicit functionals. 

Conventional correction schemes in density functional theory... 

Takao Tsuneda has developed exchange-correlation functionals and correction schemes of density functional theory for calculations of large-scale molecules. He studied under Professor K. Hirao s supervision at the University of Tokyo, and received his Ph.D. in 1997. After the postdoctoral research, he worked as Assistant Professor since 1999. Recently, he took up his new post, Associate Professor, at the University of Tokyo in June, 2004. 

---