Reformulation of the LDA+U method for a local orbital basis

We present a new approach to the evaluation of the on-site repulsion energy U for use in the LDA+U method of Anisimov and collaborators. Our objectives are to make the method more firmly based, to concentrate primarily on ground state properties rather than spectra, and to test the method in cases where only modest changes in orbital occupations are expected, as well as for highly correlated materials. Because of these objectives, we employ a differential definition of U. We also define a matrix U, which we find is very dependent on the environment of the atom in question. The formulation is applied to evaluate U for transition metal monoxides from VO to NiO using a local orbital basis set. The resulting values of U are typically only 40-65% as large as values currently in use. We evaluate the U matrix for the e_g and t_{2g} subshells in paramagnetic FeO, and illustrate the very different charge response of the e_g and t_{2g} states. The sensitivity of the method to the choice of the d orbitals, and to the basis set in general, is discussed.Comment: 6 figure

Chemical Differences between K and Na in Alkali Cobaltates

K$_x$CoO$_2$ shares many similarities with Na$_x$CoO$_2$, as well as some important differences (no hydration-induced superconductivity has been reported). At $T_{c2}$=20 K, K$_{0.5}$CoO$_2$ becomes an insulator with a tiny optical gap as happens in Na$_{0.5}$CoO$_2$ at 52 K. This similarity, with a known common structure, enables direct comparisons to be made. Using the K-zigzag structure recently reported and the local density approximation, we compare and contrast these cobaltates at x=0.5. Although the electronic structures are quite similar as expected, substantial differences are observed near the Fermi level. These differences are found to be attributable mostly to the chemical, rather than structural difference: although Na is normally considered to be fully ion, K has somewhat more highly ionic character than does Na in these cobaltates.Comment: 5 paper

Half metallic digital ferromagnetic heterostructure composed of a δ\delta-doped layer of Mn in Si

We propose and investigate the properties of a digital ferromagnetic heterostructure (DFH) consisting of a $\delta$-doped layer of Mn in Si, using \textit{ab initio} electronic-structure methods. We find that (i) ferromagnetic order of the Mn layer is energetically favorable relative to antiferromagnetic, and (ii) the heterostructure is a two-dimensional half metallic system. The metallic behavior is contributed by three majority-spin bands originating from hybridized Mn-$d$ and nearest-neighbor Si-$p$ states, and the corresponding carriers are responsible for the ferromagnetic order in the Mn layer. The minority-spin channel has a calculated semiconducting gap of 0.25 eV. Analysis of the total and partial densities of states, band structure, Fermi surfaces and associated charge density reveals the marked two-dimensional nature of the half metallicity. The band lineup is found to be favorable for retaining the half metal character to near the Curie temperature ($T_{C}$). Being Si based and possibly having a high $T_{C}$ as suggested by an experiment on dilutely doped Mn in Si, the heterostructure may be of special interest for integration into mature Si technologies for spintronic applications.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures, Revised version, to appear in Phys. Rev. Let

Dirac Point Degenerate with Massive Bands at a Topological Quantum Critical Point

The quasi-linear bands in the topologically trivial skutterudite insulator CoSb$_3$ are studied under adiabatic, symmetry-conserving displacement of the Sb sublattice. In this cubic, time-reversal and inversion symmetric system, a transition from trivial insulator to topological point Fermi surface system occurs through a critical point in which massless (Dirac) bands are {\it degenerate} with massive bands. Spin-orbit coupling does not alter the character of the transition. The mineral skutterudite (CoSb$_3$) is very near the critical point in its natural state.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figure

Toward a Future Adult Learning Community: If Socrates Had a PC

The integration of educational technologies in adult learning environments is viewed from three distinct perspectives. The three perspectives are the structuralist, the means-end, and finally, a view of technology as an extension of oneself based in the situatedness of an experiential-type learning environment. The various constructs of adult learning are reviewed and a framework for future adult learning communities is proposed that identifies the learner and educator provided components needed for an effective adult learning experience