Inclusion of relativistic effects in Gaussian-basis density functional calculations for extended systems

Scalar relativistic all-electron density functional calculations on periodic systems

Scalar relativistic effects are included in periodic boundary conditions calculations with Gaussian orbitals. This approach is based on the third-order Douglas-Kroll-Hess approximation, allowing the treatment of all electrons on an equal footing. With this methodology, we are able to perform relativistic all-electron density functional calculations using the traditional local spin-density and generalized gradient approximations (GGA), as well as meta-GGA and hybrid density functionals. We present benchmark results for the bulk metals Pd, Ag, Pt, and Au, and the large band gap semiconductors AgF and AgCl.

Density Functional Energetics of α-Quartz for Calibration of SiO2 Interatomic Potentials

All-electron, Gaussian basis density functional theory (DFT) total energies for alpha-quartz were generated on a substantial grid of points for eventual use in a first-principles check of calibration of a widely used effective interionic potential for SiO2. Unlike a previous all-electron, Gaussian basis calculation, we do not find a weak double minimum with respect to cell volume. Rather there is a weak double minimum with respect to internal cell parameters that is at the margins of numerical precision and, hence, may only be the signal of a very flat potential surface. The results show typical dependence on the choice of approximate DFT functional and differ from experimental values enough that both aspects may be problematic for parametrization of potentials.