Approximate Wave Functions Research Articles

Shannon Wavelet‐Based Approximation Scheme for Information Entropy Integrals in Confined Domain

ABSTRACTIn this work, the author attempted to develop a Shannon wavelet‐based numerical scheme to approximate the information entropies in both configuration and momentum space corresponding to the ground and adjacent excited energy states of one‐dimensional Schrödinger equation appearing in non‐relativistic quantum mechanics. The development of this scheme is based on the judicious use of sinc scale functions as an approximation basis and a suitable numerical quadrature to approximate entropies in position and momentum spaces. Priori and posteriori errors appearing in the approximations of wave functions and entropy integrals have been discussed. The scheme (coded in Python) has been subsequently exercised for various exactly solvable and quasi‐exactly solvable non‐relativistic quantum mechanical models in confined domain.

Analytical estimate of effective charge and ground-state energies of two to five electron sequences up to atomic number 20 utilizing the variational method

BackgroundThe variational method, a quantum mechanical approach, estimates effective charge distributions and ground-state energy by minimizing the Hamiltonian's expectation value using trial wave functions with adjustable parameters. This method provides valuable insights into system behavior and is widely used in theoretical chemistry and physics. This paper aims to investigate ground-state energies and isoelectronic sequences using the variational method, introducing a novel approach for analyzing multi-electron systems. This technique allows for determining effective charge values and ground-state energies for 2–5 electrons sequence up to Z ≤ 20. Hydrogenic wave functions are used as a trial wave function to calculate effective charge in 1 s, 2 s, and 2p states. Two varying parameters were used to calculate an approximate wave function for the system. These values are then used in non-relativistic Hamiltonian with electron–electron interaction terms to calculate the ground-state energy of an atom.ResultThe results align with the reported experimental values, showing a marginal 1% error.ConclusionA Python algorithm is established based on the variational principle. It was found that, based on a few selected parameters in scripting the program, a very promising result was obtained. Furthermore, adding more variational parameters can minimize the difference between experimental and theoretical values, and this technique can be extended to elements with higher atomic numbers.

Plain Capping for Improved Accuracy of Approximate One- and Two-Electron Densities at Two-Particle Coalescence Points.

The values of the one-electron and intracule densities at two-particle coalescence points that enter the expressions for relativistic corrections to energies of Coulombic systems cannot be efficiently computed with sufficient accuracy from approximate wave functions expressed in terms of cuspless basis functions such as the explicitly correlated Gaussians. A new approach to alleviation of this problem, called plain capping, is proposed. Unlike those offered by the previously published formalisms, such as the expectation value identities and integral transforms, the accuracy improvements effected by the plain capping are attained with negligible computational effort and minimum programming. In the case of the on-top two-electron densities, whose accurate computation is particularly costly, the plain capping constitutes the only viable means of error reduction available at present.

PDM relativistic quantum oscillator in Einstein–Maxwell–Lambda space-time

In this paper, we study the relativistic dynamics of quantum oscillator fields within the context of a position-dependent mass (PDM) system in the background of a curved space-time. The chosen curved space-time is generated by a magnetic field incorporating a non-zero cosmological constant called Einstein–Maxwell–Lambda solution. To analyze PDM quantum oscillator fields, we introduce a modification into the Klein–Gordon equation by substituting the four-momentum vector [Formula: see text], where various four-vectors are defined by [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] is the mass oscillator frequency. The radial wave equation for the modified Klein–Gordon equation is derived and subsequently solve for two distinct scalar multipliers: (i) [Formula: see text] and (ii) [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. The resultant approximate energy levels and wave function for quantum oscillator fields are demonstrated to be influenced by the cosmological constant and the geometrical topology parameter which breaks the degeneracy of the energy spectrum. Furthermore, we observed noteworthy modifications in the approximate energy levels and wave function when compared to the results derived in the flat space.

Alternative CNDOL Fockians for fast and accurate description of molecular exciton properties.

CNDOL is an a priori, approximate Fockian for molecular wave functions. In this study, we employ several modes of singly excited configuration interaction (CIS) to model molecular excitation properties by using four combinations of the one electron operator terms. Those options are compared to the experimental and theoretical data for a carefully selected set of molecules. The resulting excitons are represented by CIS wave functions that encompass all valence electrons in the system for each excited state energy. The Coulomb-exchange term associated to the calculated excitation energies is rationalized to evaluate theoretical exciton binding energies. This property is shown to be useful for discriminating the charge donation ability of molecular and supermolecular systems. Multielectronic 3D maps of exciton formal charges are showcased, demonstrating the applicability of these approximate wave functions for modeling properties of large molecules and clusters at nanoscales. This modeling proves useful in designing molecular photovoltaic devices. Our methodology holds potential applications in systematic evaluations of such systems and the development of fundamental artificial intelligence databases for predicting related properties.

Enhanced second-order nonlinear susceptibility in type-II asymmetric quantum well structures

Asymmetric quantum wells (AQWs) utilizing interband transitions enhance second-order susceptibility over a wide wavelength range compared to natural crystals. The nonlinear susceptibility is further enhanced in AQWs with type-II band alignment as compared to type-I band alignment, a result of the larger interband charge shift. This enhancement is demonstrated in this work by analyzing three type-I and type-II AQW designs based on the lattice-matched InP/AlGaInAs materials systems using the envelope wavefunction approximation. The calculated interband second-order susceptibility tensor elements in type-II structures range between 20 and 1.60 × 103 pm/V for nearly resonant optical rectification and difference frequency generation applications at near-infrared and terahertz wavelengths, an improvement of nearly 1 order of magnitude over the type-I structures and 1–2 orders of magnitude over natural crystals such as LiNbO3, KTiOPO4 (KTP), or GaAs. A factor of 2–3 further enhancement of the tensor elements is achieved by optimizing the well widths and band offsets of the type-II asymmetric quantum wells. The type-II structure can be implemented in other material systems spanning the longwave infrared to visible wavelengths, enhancing nonlinear susceptibility for various applications, including photonic integrated circuits.

A semi-analytic approximation for a single-particle continuum wavefunction

A moderately simple approximation to the radial wavefunction of an unbound particle which carries arbitrary angular momentum l( l + 1) and which scatters from any physical potential, including one with a Coulomb tail, is presented. The approximate wavefunction has the form of a linear combination of short- and long-range analytical functions that satisfies the correct boundary conditions at both the origin and at large distances. The coefficients of the short-range functions are determined by solving a matrix equation whose elements are highly suited to numerical quadrature, and which are hardly more difficult to evaluate for l ≫ 1 than for l = 0. The coefficients of the long-range functions are determined by both the nature of the interaction at large distances and the cusp condition on the wavefunction at the origin. This wavefunction has been tested by application to pure Coulomb scattering and to electron scattering from hydrogen within the 1s–2s–2p close coupling framework.

The future of computational catalysis

The future of computational heterogeneous catalysis is shaped by machine learning in two different but equally important areas: (i) development of atomistic potentials that closely approximate DFT and wavefunction based ab initio methods (MP2, CCSD(T)), but are computationally more efficient, and (ii) finding structure and reactivity descriptors for predicting catalytic materials and reactions.Machine Learning Potentials will enable improved sampling of the potential energy surface (PES) for reaction conditions, but they will not do better than the data on which they are trained. Therefore, this perspective focusses on ways of improving the quality of the PES beyond the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) climbing the Jacob’s ladder of functionals in DFT up to RPA and using wavefunction methods such as MP2 and CCSD(T).It is problem solving in close collaboration with experiment that has made computational methodology relevant and this remains an important aspect of data science methods in heterogeneous catalysis.

Small-Occupation Density Functional Correlation Energy Correction to Wave Function Approximations.

In this work, we introduce a novel hybrid approach, termed WFT-soDFT, designed to seamlessly incorporate DFT correlation into wave function ansatzes. This is achieved through a partitioning of the orbital space, distinguishing between large and small natural occupation numbers associated with wave function theory (WFT) and DFT correlation, respectively. The method uses a novel criterion for partitioning the orbital space and mapping the electron density in natural orbitals with a small occupation with the correlation energy of fast electrons within the homogeneous electron gas. Central to our approach is the introduction of a separation parameter ν, the choice of the WFT approach, and the correlation functional. Here, we combine the RASCI wave function with hole and particle truncation with a local density correlation functional to only account for small-occupation correlation energy. We investigate the performance of the method in the study of small but challenging chemical systems, for which WFT-soDFT demonstrates notable improvements over pristine wave function calculations. These findings collectively highlight the potential of the WFT-soDFT approach as a computationally affordable strategy to improve the accuracy of WFT electronic structure calculations.

Tool for assessing the accuracy of approximate electronic wave functions

Tool for assessing the accuracy of approximate electronic wave functions

Tight-binding model predicts exciton energetics and structure for photovoltaic molecules.

Conjugated molecules and polymers are being designed as acceptor and donor materials for organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells. OPV performance depends on generation of free charge carriers through dissociation of excitons, which are electron-hole pairs created when a photon is absorbed. Here, we develop a tight-binding model to describe excitons on homo-oligomers, alternating co-oligomers, and a non-fullerene acceptor - IDTBR. We parameterize our model using density functional theory (DFT) energies of neutral, anion, cation, and excited states of constituent moieties. A symmetric molecule like IDTBR has two ends where an exciton can sit; but the product wavefunction approximation for the exciton breaks symmetry. So, we introduce a tight-binding model with full correlation between electron and hole, which allows the exciton to coherently explore both ends of the molecule. Our approach predicts optical singlet excitation energies for oligomers of varying length as well as IDTBR in good agreement with time-dependent DFT and spectroscopic results.

Solving time-independent Schrödinger equation variationally using random numbers

Finding wavefunctions for even the simplest of interacting particle systems consisting of two particles is extremely difficult. It is therefore highly desirable that an accurate and easily implementable method be available to instructors and students of quantum-mechanics for obtaining wavefunctions for these particles. The usual approach taken to do this is to use parametrized functional form for the wavefunction in conjunction with the variational method to find approximate wavefunction and energy for the ground-state of such systems. In this paper, we employ random numbers to obtain ground-state wavefunctions and energies of two interacting particles in different one-dimensional potentials. The idea behind using random numbers is to search freely for functions that lead to lower and lower energy, converging eventually to its lowest value. The method presented is easily applicable numerically using a simple algorithm, and the wavefunctions obtained are highly accurate. Thus, the method presented makes study of two interacting particles accessible to instructors and students alike in a transparent manner.

Electric field effect on the intersubband optical absorption of GeSn quantum wells with parabolically graded barriers

In this study, we propose a theoretical simulation of a Ge0.9Sn0.1 rectangular SQW with GeSn parabolically graded barriers (PGBs) in the terahertz (THz) region. The discrete intra-band confined energy levels and their matching wave functions were calculated by solving the stationary Schrödinger equation by the finite difference method taking into account the Compact Density Matrix approach under the framework of both the effective mass and the envelope wave function approximations. In this work, we studied the effect of the quantum square-well width on the intersubband transition and oscillator strength in a GeSn-strained-based Barrier-Well-Barrier GeSn/(Ge,α-Sn) PGBs to obtain the optimum quantum confinement of electrons. The electronic states and their wave functions in the conduction band were computed by solving the Schrödinger equation without and under the effect of an applied external electric field at room temperature. We then investigated the effect of the electric field on the optical absorption coefficient (OAC). Our numerical results show that for external fields (>15 kV/cm), an intersubband transitions (ISBTs) frequency band of 2–14 THz (8–58 meV) was obtained for the specific optimized parameters. These results should be beneficial to the design of devices based on GeSn QWs with PGB structures operating in the THz frequency range.

Polaritonic response theory for exact and approximate wave functions

AbstractPolaritonic chemistry is an interdisciplinary emerging field that presents several challenges and opportunities in chemistry, physics, and engineering. A systematic review of polaritonic response theory is presented, following a chemical perspective based on molecular response theory. We provide the reader with a general strategy for developing response theory for ab initio cavity quantum electrodynamics (QED) methods and critically emphasize details that still need clarification and require cooperation between the physical and chemistry communities. We show that several well‐established results can be applied to strong coupling light‐matter systems, leading to novel perspectives on the computation of matter and photonic properties. The application of the Pauli–Fierz Hamiltonian to polaritons is discussed, focusing on the effects of describing operators in different mathematical representations. We thoroughly examine the most common approximations employed in ab initio QED, such as the dipole approximation. We introduce the polaritonic response equations for the recently developed ab initio QED Hartree–Fock and QED coupled cluster methods. The discussion focuses on the similarities and differences from standard quantum chemistry methods, providing practical equations for computing the polaritonic properties.This article is categorized under: Electronic Structure Theory > Ab Initio Electronic Structure Methods Theoretical and Physical Chemistry > Spectroscopy Software > Quantum Chemistry

State-Interaction Approach for Evaluating g-Tensors within EOM-CC and RAS-CI Frameworks: Theory and Benchmarks.

Among various techniques designed for studying open-shell species, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy plays an important role. The key quantity measured by EPR is the g-tensor, describing the coupling between an external magnetic field and molecular electronic spin. One theoretical framework for quantum chemistry calculations of g-tensors is based on response theory, which involves substantial developments that are specific to the underlying electronic structure models. A simplified and easier-to-implement approach is based on the state-interaction scheme, in which perturbation is included by considering a small number of states. We describe and benchmark the state-interaction approach using equation-of-motion coupled-cluster and restricted-active-space configuration interaction wave functions. The analysis confirms that this approach can deliver accurate results and highlights caveats of applying it, such as a choice of the reference state, convergence with respect to the number of states used in calculations, etc. The analysis also contributes toward a better understanding of challenges in calculations of higher-order properties using approximate wave functions.

Nonlinear optical properties of modified Möbius squared potential well: influence of electric and magnetic fields

ABSTRACT This work presents a numerical study on the electronic and optical properties of modified Möbius squared potential well in the presence of static electric and magnetic fields. The potential well is formed within GaAs/AlGaAs hetero structures. Schrödinger’s equation is solved within the framework of effective mass and envelope wave function approximations to get the wave functions and their corresponding energies of states. The optical absorption coefficients and relative refractive index changes are calculated via the expressions derived from the compact density matrix approach. The numerical results present strong blue shifts on the optical responses of modified Möbius squared potential well when the external electromagnetic fields are strengthening.

Beyond mean-field: Condensate coupled with pair excitations

We prove existence results for a system of partial differential equations describing the approximate condensate wavefunction and pair-excitation kernel of a dilute T = 0 Bose gas in the stationary setting, in the presence of a trapping potential and repulsive pairwise atomic interactions. Notably, the Hartree-type equation for the condensate in this system contains contributions from non-condensate particles, and the pair excitation kernel satisfies a nonlinear operator equation. The techniques employed include a direct variational principle and also an iterative procedure for constructing solutions.

Understanding and eliminating spurious modes in variational Monte Carlo using collective variables

The use of neural network parametrizations to represent the ground state in variational Monte Carlo (VMC) calculations has generated intense interest in recent years. However, as we demonstrate in the context of the periodic Heisenberg spin chain, this approach can produce unreliable wave function approximations. One of the most obvious signs of failure is the occurrence of random, persistent spikes in the energy estimate during training. These energy spikes are caused by regions of configuration space that are over-represented by the wave function density, which are called ``spurious modes'' in the machine learning literature. After exploring these spurious modes in detail, we demonstrate that a collective-variable-based penalization yields a substantially more robust training procedure, preventing the formation of spurious modes and improving the accuracy of energy estimates. Because the penalization scheme is cheap to implement and is not specific to the particular model studied here, it can be extended to other applications of VMC where a reasonable choice of collective variable is available.

Excited States, Symmetry Breaking, and Unphysical Solutions in State-Specific CASSCF Theory.

State-specific electronic structure theory provides a route toward balanced excited-state wave functions by exploiting higher-energy stationary points of the electronic energy. Multiconfigurational wave function approximations can describe both closed- and open-shell excited states and avoid the issues associated with state-averaged approaches. We investigate the existence of higher-energy solutions in complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) theory and characterize their topological properties. We demonstrate that state-specific approximations can provide accurate higher-energy excited states in H2 (6-31G) with more compact active spaces than would be required in a state-averaged formalism. We then elucidate the unphysical stationary points, demonstrating that they arise from redundant orbitals when the active space is too large or symmetry breaking when the active space is too small. Furthermore, we investigate the singlet-triplet crossing in CH2 (6-31G) and the avoided crossing in LiF (6-31G), revealing the severity of root flipping and demonstrating that state-specific solutions can behave quasi-diabatically or adiabatically. These results elucidate the complexity of the CASSCF energy landscape, highlighting the advantages and challenges of practical state-specific calculations.

Investigation on nonlinear optical properties of symmetric and asymmetric double V-shaped AlxGa1-xAs/GaAs potential wells with structural parameters and external electromagnetic fields

ABSTRACT Linear, nonlinear and total optical absorption coefficients and relative refractive index changes for symmetric and asymmetric double V-shaped quantum well configurations formed within AlxGa1-xAs/GaAs heterostructure have been theoretically investigated. Responses of these coefficients to well widths, barrier widths and aluminium concentrations within the barrier as well as applied external electromagnetic fields were the subject of this study. The electronic spectra of the structures are obtained as a solution to the Schrödinger equation with relevant potential and external agents in the framework of effective mass and envelope wave function approximations. The optical properties are calculated by the analytical expressions obtained by iterative solutions within the compact density matrix approach. Although increasing barrier width and aluminium concentration act similarly significant red shifting on the referred coefficients for both symmetric and asymmetric double V-shaped wells, the varying well widths act differently for each configuration. Strengthening electric and magnetic fields shift the resonance peaks to blue for both symmetric and asymmetric wells. The results show that optical properties can be controlled by structural parameters, external probes and asymmetry of double V-shaped wells.