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Best practices for first-principles simulations of epitaxial inorganic interfaces

Journal Article · · Journal of Physics. Condensed Matter

Abstract At an interface between two materials physical properties and functionalities may be achieved, which would not exist in either material alone. Epitaxial inorganic interfaces are at the heart of semiconductor, spintronic, and quantum devices. First principles simulations based on density functional theory (DFT) can help elucidate the electronic and magnetic properties of interfaces and relate them to the structure and composition at the atomistic scale. Furthermore, DFT simulations can predict the structure and properties of candidate interfaces and guide experimental efforts in promising directions. However, DFT simulations of interfaces can be technically elaborate and computationally expensive. To help researchers embarking on such simulations, this review covers best practices for first principles simulations of epitaxial inorganic interfaces, including DFT methods, interface model construction, interface structure prediction, and analysis and visualization tools.

Research Organization:
Univ. of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN (United States); Univ. of California, Oakland, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC)
DOE Contract Number:
SC0019274; AC02-05CH11231
OSTI ID:
1979281
Journal Information:
Journal of Physics. Condensed Matter, Vol. 34, Issue 23; ISSN 0953-8984
Publisher:
IOP Publishing
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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