Combining Pair-Density Functional Theory and Variational Two-Electron Reduced-Density Matrix Methods

Part I Reduced Density Matrix Functional Theory

Reduced density-matrix functional theory: Correlation and spectroscopy.

In this work, we explore the performance of approximations to electron correlation in reduced density-matrix functional theory (RDMFT) and of approximations to the observables calculated within this theory. Our analysis focuses on the calculation of total energies, occupation numbers, removal/addition energies, and spectral functions. We use the exactly solvable Hubbard dimer at 1/4 and 1/2 fil...

From Density Functional Theory to Density Matrix Functional Theory

Coupled cluster methods are considered among the most accurate tools in electronic structure theory. Nonetheless relatively limited attempt seems to have been made to extend their applicability to the description of the core-excitation phenomena that are behind largely used spectroscopic techniques like x-ray absorption spectroscopy and x-ray circular dichroism. As a first step to redeem for su...

Variational optimization of the two-electron reduced-density matrix under pure-state N-representability conditions.

The direct variational optimization of the ground-state two-electron reduced-density matrix (2-RDM) is typically performed under ensemble N-representability conditions. Accordingly, variationally obtained 2-RDMs for degenerate ground states may not represent a pure state. When considering only ground-state energetics, the ensemble nature of the 2-RDM is of little consequence. However, the use o...

Reduced Density Matrix Functional for Many-Electron Systems

Reduced density matrix functional theory for the case of solids is presented and a new exchange correlation functional based on a fractional power of the density matrix is introduced. We show that compared to other functionals, this produces more accurate results for finite systems. Moreover, it captures the correct band gap behavior for conventional semiconductors as well as strongly correlate...