Semiclassical molecular dynamics simulations of low-temperature clusters: Applications to (Ar)13; (Ne)13; (H2O)n, n = 2,3,5

E. Fredj*, R. B. Gerber, M. A. Ratner

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

Semiclassical molecular dynamics simulations are developed as a tool for studying anharmonic clusters and solids at energies near the zero point. The method employs the time-dependent self-consistent-field approximation, that describes each mode as moving in the mean dynamical field of all other modes. The method further describes each mode by a semiclassical Gaussian wave packet. The scheme is carried out in normal modes. The method is restricted to systems of moderate anharmonicity at low temperatures. It is, however, computationally efficient and practically applicable to large systems. It can be used for the dynamics of nonstationary states as well as for stationary ones. Structural, dynamical and a variety of spectroscopic properties can easily be evaluated. The method is tested for thermal equilibrium states of (Ne)13, (Ar)13 against "numerically exact" quantum Feynman path integral simulations. Excellent quantitative agreement is found for the atom-atom pair distribution functions. The method is also applied to (H2O)n clusters. Good agreement is found with experimentally available fundamental stretch-mode frequencies.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1121-1130
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Chemical Physics
Volume105
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 15 Jul 1996

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Semiclassical molecular dynamics simulations of low-temperature clusters: Applications to (Ar)13; (Ne)13; (H2O)n, n = 2,3,5'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this