Band structure and optical functions of K2ZnCl4 crystals in ferroelectric phase

Band electronic structure (BS), density of states (DOS), and optical functions of K2ZnCl4 crystal for the orthorhombic space group of symmetry Pna2(1) corresponding to the ferroelectric phase (12 formula units in the crystallographic unit cell) have been calculated for the first time using the density functional theory based code VASP (Vienna Ab-initio Simulation Program). The valence-to-conduction band gap E-g of the crystal is found to be direct in the Gamma-point of Brillouin zone. The effective masses m* have been calculated for the top valence and bottom conduction bands for different points and directions of Brillouin zone of the crystal and the results obtained have been analyzed. Peculiarities of the photon energy dependences n(E) and k(E) of refractive (n) and absorption (k) indices obtained in the range 0-28 eV have been identified on the basis of BS and DOS of the crystal. Calculated optical functions agree satisfactorily with the experimental data n(E) in the range of crystal's transparency, E < 5 eV. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.