Theoretical studies of the crystal structure of rare earths and actinides at zero temperature.

摘要

Accurate total energy electronic structure calculations have recently been carried out over a range of volumes for selected rare-earth and actinide elements in crystal structures, experimentally observed in these elements. Correct zero temperature crystal structures are obtained, and calculated equilibrium properties are in reasonable agreement with experiment. Results of these calculations indicate that the interactions underlying crystal structure stability are similar in itinerant f-electron metals and transition metals. The stable crystal structure at a particular volume is determined by a balance between one-electron bandwidths and band fillings and the electrostatic energy of the crystal lattice. Broad bands favor high-symmetry, close-packed structures while narrow bands favor low-symmetry, open structures; allowing for expansion as well as contraction, both transition and actinide elements can be stabilized in both low- and high-symmetry crystal structures.