Low Energy Recoil Simulations in MgO, LiNbO3, and LiTaO3 Using Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics

Author

Benjamin Aaron Petersen, University of Tennessee, KnoxvilleFollow

Date of Award

12-2017

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Major

Materials Science and Engineering

Major Professor

Yanwen Zhang

Committee Members

William J. Weber, Maik K. Lang, Yanfei Gao

Abstract

Ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) was utilized to test a series of materials, MgO, LiNbO₃ , and LiTaO₃ , to determine defect structures produced due to low energy recoil events . The kinetic energy required to displace an atom from its lattice site, the threshold displacement energy, was calculated for an array of directions in each material, based on symmetry and complexity of the structure. MgO having a simple rock salt structure provided a model material for demonstrating computational techniques used later on LiTaO₃ and LiNbO₃ . The minimum values for displacing an atom were at 25.5 eV for O and 29.5 eV for Mg. For LiNbO₃ and LiTaO₃, the minimum energy for displacing an atom was 6 eV for Li in LiTaO₃ and 14 eV for Li in LiNbO₃ . Average values for threshold displacement energies agreed well with those used in calculations, but they have not yet been accurately measured experimentally. Additionally, the defect structures and properties were identified and reported as a result of the simulations. The high defect formation energy reported for cation vacancies means that they are unstable in the structure and will either recombine, form defect complexes, or migrate to defect sinks in the material.

Recommended Citation

Petersen, Benjamin Aaron, "Low Energy Recoil Simulations in MgO, LiNbO3, and LiTaO3 Using Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics. " PhD diss., University of Tennessee, 2017.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_graddiss/4778