Steepest-descent algorithm for vibrational analysis calculations

Abstract

In this paper we consider problems concerning the effectiveness of iterational calculations on vibrational analysis. Instead of the widespread least-squares method of force field refinement, another method is proposed based on the steepest-descent algorithm for calculation of the functional minimum of many variables. The new method does not require inverting of a large, poorly conditioned matrix or the introduction of experimental damping coefficients for improving the convergency of the calculations. Test calculations performed for several molecules exhibit a significant “elasticity” of the proposed algorithm allowing more precise reproduction of the molecular vibration frequencies than can be found in recently published works.