First-principles simulations on the aggregation of F centers in BaF2: R centers

F center (an electron trapped in the fluorine vacancy) and R center (a defect composed of three F centers) in BaF2crystal, have been studied by using density functional theory (DFT) with hybrid exchange potentials, namely DFT-B3PW. Our calculations show that the F-center transfer barrier is equal to 1.83 eV. During the F-center transfer, the trapped electron is more delocalized than that in the static F-center case, and the gap between defect leveland CB in the α-spin state decreases obviously. The association energy calculations on R centers indicate stable aggregations of isolated F centers. During F-center aggregation, a considerable covalency between two neighbor fluorine vacancies with trapped electrons forms. Three incompletely paired electrons trapped in the R center have an up–down–up spin arrangement and induce three defect levels in the gaps between valence bands (VB) and conduction bands (CB) for both of α- and β-spin polarized band structures respectively. More defect bands lead to more complex electron transitions, which were classified into two F- and four M-like transitions. The DOS calculations clearly reveal the components of defect bands.

Graphical AbstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights► The F-center transfer in BaF2 and the F-center transfer barrier. ► For the first time, the R center is studied in BaF2 by using DFT method. ► The electronic structures and band-gap variation during the transfer are studied.