The first principles density functional theory (DFT) is applied to study effects of molecular adsorption on optical losses of silver (111) surface. The ground states of the systems including water, methanol, and ethanol molecules adsorbed on Ag (111)
surface were obtained by the total energy minimization method within the local density approximation (LDA). Optical functions were calculated within the Random Phase Approximation (RPA) approach. Contribution of the surface states to optical losses was studied by calculations of the dielectric function of bare Ag (111) surface. Substantial modifications of the real and imaginary parts of the dielectric functions spectra in the near infrared and visible spectral regions, caused by surface states and molecular adsorption, were obtained. The results are discussed in comparison with available experimental data.
Equilibrium atomic configurations and electron energy structure of ethanol adsorbed on the Si (111) surface are studied by the first-principles density functional theory. Geometry optimization is performed by the total energy minimization method. Sev
eral equilibrium atomic configurations of ethanol, both undissociated and dissociated, on the Si (111) surface are found. Reaction pathways and predicted transition states are discussed in comparison with available experimental data in terms of the feasibility of the reactions occurring. Analysis of atom and orbital resolved projected density of states indicate substantial modifications of the Si surface valence and conduction bands due to the adsorption of ethanol affecting the electrical properties of the surface.
Optical absorption spectra of poly(thiophene vinylene) (PTV) conjugated polymers have been studied at room temperature in the spectral range of 450 to 800 nm. A dominant peak located at 577 nm and a prominent shoulder at 619 nm are observed. Another
shoulder located at 685 nm is observed at high concentration and after additional treatment (heat, sonification) only. Equilibrium atomic geometries and optical absorption of PTV conjugated polymers have also been studied by first principles density functional theory (DFT). For PTV in solvent, the theoretical calculations predict two equilibrium geometries with different interchain distances. By comparative analysis of the experimental and theoretical data, it is demonstrated that the new measured long-wavelength optical absorption shoulder is consistent with new optical absorption peak predicted for most energetically favorable PTV phase in the solvent. This shoulder is interpreted as a direct indication of increased interchain interaction in the solvent which has caused additional electronic energy structure transformations.
