Theory of polarization enhancement in epitaxial BaTiO3_3/SrTiO3_3 superlattices

The spontaneous polarization of epitaxial BaTiO$_3$/SrTiO$_3$ superlattices is studied as a function of composition using first-principles density functional theory within the local density approximation. With the in-plane lattice parameter fixed to that of bulk SrTiO$_3$, the computed superlattice polarization is enhanced above that of bulk BaTiO$_3$ for superlattices with BaTiO$_3$ fraction larger than 40%. In contrast to their bulk paraelectric character, the SrTiO$_3$ layers are found to be {\it tetragonal and polar}, possessing nearly the same polarization as the BaTiO$_3$ layers. General electrostatic arguments elucidate the origin of the polarization in the SrTiO$_3$ layers, with important implications for other ferroelectric nanostructures.Comment: 4 pages, 2 Figures, 1 Tabl

Effective-Hamiltonian modeling of external pressures in ferroelectric perovskites

The phase-transition sequence of a ferroelectric perovskite such as BaTiO_3 can be simulated by computing the statistical mechanics of a first-principles derived effective Hamiltonian [Zhong, Vanderbilt and Rabe, Phys. Rev. Lett. 73, 1861 (1994)]. Within this method, the effect of an external pressure (in general, of any external field) can be studied by considering the appropriate "enthalpy" instead of the effective Hamiltonian itself. The legitimacy of this approach relies on two critical assumptions that, to the best of our knowledge, have not been adequately discussed in the literature to date: (i) that the zero-pressure relevant degrees of freedom are still the only relevant degrees of freedom at finite pressures, and (ii) that the truncation of the Taylor expansion of the energy considered in the effective Hamiltonian remains a good approximation at finite pressures. Here we address these issues in detail and present illustrative first-principles results for BaTiO_3. We also discuss how to construct effective Hamiltonians in cases in which these assumptions do not hold.Comment: 5 pages, with 2 postscript figures embedded. Proceedings of "Fundamental Physics of Ferroelectrics, 2002", R. Cohen and T. Egami, eds. (AIP, Melville, New York, 2002). Also available at http://www.physics.rutgers.edu/~dhv/preprints/ji_effp/index.htm

Emergence of topological electronic phases in elemental lithium under pressure

Lithium, a prototypical simple metal under ambient conditions, has a surprisingly rich phase diagram under pressure, taking up several structures with reduced symmetry, low coordination numbers, and even semiconducting character with increasing density. Using first-principles calculations, we demonstrate that some predicted high-pressure phases of elemental Li also host topological electronic structures. Beginning at 80 GPa and coincident with a transition to the Pbca phase, we find Li to be a Dirac nodal line semimetal. We further calculate that Li retains linearly-dispersive energy bands in subsequent predicted higher pressure phases, and that it exhibits a Lifshitz transition between two Cmca phases at 220 GPa. The Fd-3m phase at 500 GPa forms buckled honeycomb layers that give rise to a Dirac crossing 1 eV below the Fermi energy. The well-isolated topological nodes near the Fermi level in these phases result from increasing p-orbital character with density at the Fermi level, itself a consequence of rising 1s core wavefunction overlap, and a preference for nonsymmorphic symmetries in the crystal structures favored at these pressures. Our results provide evidence that under pressure, bulk 3D materials with light elements, or even pure elemental systems, can undergo topological phase transitions hosting nontrivial topological properties near the Fermi level with measurable consequences; and that, through pressure, we can access these novel phases in elemental lithium.Comment: 5 pages, 5 figures, accepted for publicatio

Electric field and strain induced Rashba effect in hybrid halide perovskites

Using first principles density functional theory calculations, we show how Rashba-type energy band splitting in the hybrid organic-inorganic halide perovskites APbX$_3$ (A=CH$_3$NH$_3^+$, CH(NH$_2$)$_2^+$, Cs$^+$ and X=I, Br) can be tuned and enhanced with electric fields and anisotropic strain. In particular, we demonstrate that the magnitude of the Rashba splitting of tetragonal (CH$_3$NH$_3$)PbI$_3$ grows with increasing macroscopic alignment of the organic cations and electric polarization, indicating appreciable tunability with experimentally-feasible applied fields, even at room temperature. Further, we quantify the degree to which this effect can be tuned via chemical substitution at the A and X sites, which alters amplitudes of different polar distortion patterns of the inorganic PbX$_3$ cage that directly impact Rashba splitting. In addition, we predict that polar phases of CsPbI$_3$ and (CH$_3$NH$_3$)PbI$_3$ with $R3c$ symmetry possessing considerable Rashba splitting might be accessible at room temperature via anisotropic strain induced by epitaxy, even in the absence of electric fields

Efficacy of Aerobic Activity as Adjunct Treatment Compared to Stimulant Monotherapy in Controlling Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity-Disorder Symptoms in Pediatric Patients ages 6-12 years old

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is the most common neurodevelopment disorder of childhood. Two groups of prescription stimulant medications, methylphenidate-based (ex: Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine-based (ex: Adderall), are currently the mainstay treatment to control symptoms of ADHD. These groups of medications come with a myriad of adverse effects including but not limited to insomnia, decreased appetite, delayed growth, headache, and irritability. Both the symptoms that manifest in children diagnosed with ADHD and the adverse effects of stimulants have the potential to negatively impact and disrupt their social, educational, and working lives. Therefore, this paper addresses the efficacy of aerobic activity as an adjunct treatment to reduce symptoms of ADHD with less adverse effects when compared to standard stimulant medication monotherapy