The formation energy of \unit[4.48]{eV} is determined by this low kinetic energy configuration shortly before the relaxation process starts.
The \si{} atom then begins to slowly move towards an energetically more favorable position very close to the tetrahedral one but slightly displaced along the three coordinate axes.
The formation energy of \unit[3.96]{eV} for this type of interstitial is equal to the result for the hexagonal one in the original work \cite{albe_sic_pot}.
-Obviously the authors did not carefully check the relaxed results assuming a hexagonal configuration.
+Obviously, the authors did not carefully check the relaxed results assuming a hexagonal configuration.
In Fig. \ref{fig:defects:kin_si_hex} the relaxation process is shown on the basis of the kinetic energy plot.
\begin{figure}[tp]
\begin{center}
In fact, the same type of interstitial arises using random insertions.
In addition, variations exist, in which the displacement is only along two \hkl<1 0 0> axes ($E_\text{f}=3.8\,\text{eV}$) or along a single \hkl<1 0 0> axes ($E_\text{f}=3.6\,\text{eV}$) successively approximating the tetdrahedral configuration and formation energy.
The existence of these local minima located near the tetrahedral configuration seems to be an artifact of the analytical potential without physical authenticity revealing fundamental problems of analytical potential models for describing defect structures.
+% todo - energy barrier of what ?!?!
However, the energy barrier is small.
\begin{figure}[tp]
\begin{center}
Tersoff indeed predicts a metastable BC configuration.
However, it is not in the correct order and lower in energy than the \ci{} \hkl<1 1 0> DB.
Quantum-mechanical results of this configuration are discussed in more detail in section \ref{subsection:bc}.
-In another {\em ab inito} study, Capaz~et~al. \cite{capaz94} in turn found BC configuration to be an intermediate saddle point structure of a possible migration path, which is \unit[2.1]{eV} higher than the \ci{} \hkl<1 0 0> DB structure.
+In another {\em ab inito} study, Capaz~et~al.~\cite{capaz94} in turn found the BC configuration to be an intermediate saddle point structure of a possible migration path, which is \unit[2.1]{eV} higher than the \ci{} \hkl<1 0 0> DB structure.
This is assumed to be due to the neglection of the electron spin in these calculations.
Another {\textsc vasp} calculation without fully accounting for the electron spin results in the smearing of a single electron over two non-degenerate states for the BC configuration.
This problem is resolved by spin polarized calculations resulting in a net spin of one accompanied by a reduction of the total energy by \unit[0.3]{eV} and the transformation into a metastable local minimum configuration.
\begin{figure}[tp]
\begin{center}
\begin{minipage}{8cm}
-\includegraphics[width=8cm]{c_pd_vasp/bc_2333.eps}\\
+\begin{center}
+\includegraphics[width=6cm]{c_pd_vasp/bc_2333.eps}\\
+\vspace*{0.2cm}
\hrule
\vspace*{0.2cm}
-\includegraphics[width=8cm]{c_100_mig_vasp/im_spin_diff.eps}
+\includegraphics[width=6cm]{c_100_mig_vasp/im_spin_diff.eps}
+\vspace*{0.2cm}
+\framebox{
+ \footnotesize
+ \begin{minipage}[t]{7.5cm}
+ \begin{minipage}[t]{1.4cm}
+ {\color{red}Si}\\
+ {\tiny sp$^3$}\\[0.8cm]
+ \underline{${\color{black}\uparrow}$}
+ \underline{${\color{black}\uparrow}$}
+ \underline{${\color{black}\uparrow}$}
+ \underline{${\color{red}\uparrow}$}\\
+ sp$^3$
+ \end{minipage}
+ \begin{minipage}[t]{1.6cm}
+ \begin{center}
+ {\color{red}M}{\color{blue}O}\\[0.8cm]
+ \underline{${\color{blue}\uparrow}{\color{white}\downarrow}$}\\
+ $\sigma_{\text{ab}}$\\[0.5cm]
+ \underline{${\color{red}\uparrow}{\color{blue}\downarrow}$}\\
+ $\sigma_{\text{b}}$
+ \end{center}
+ \end{minipage}
+ \begin{minipage}[t]{1.2cm}
+ \begin{center}
+ {\color{blue}C}\\
+ {\tiny sp}\\[0.2cm]
+ \underline{${\color{white}\uparrow\uparrow}$}
+ \underline{${\color{white}\uparrow\uparrow}$}\\
+ 2p\\[0.4cm]
+ \underline{${\color{blue}\uparrow}{\color{blue}\downarrow}$}
+ \underline{${\color{blue}\uparrow}{\color{blue}\downarrow}$}\\
+ sp
+ \end{center}
+ \end{minipage}
+ \begin{minipage}[t]{1.6cm}
+ \begin{center}
+ {\color{blue}M}{\color{green}O}\\[0.8cm]
+ \underline{${\color{blue}\uparrow}{\color{white}\downarrow}$}\\
+ $\sigma_{\text{ab}}$\\[0.5cm]
+ \underline{${\color{green}\uparrow}{\color{blue}\downarrow}$}\\
+ $\sigma_{\text{b}}$
+ \end{center}
+ \end{minipage}
+ \begin{minipage}[t]{1.4cm}
+ \begin{flushright}
+ {\color{green}Si}\\
+ {\tiny sp$^3$}\\[0.8cm]
+ \underline{${\color{green}\uparrow}$}
+ \underline{${\color{black}\uparrow}$}
+ \underline{${\color{black}\uparrow}$}
+ \underline{${\color{black}\uparrow}$}\\
+ sp$^3$
+ \end{flushright}
+ \end{minipage}
+ \end{minipage}
+}
+\end{center}
\end{minipage}
\begin{minipage}{7cm}
\includegraphics[width=7cm]{c_pd_vasp/bc_2333_ksl.ps}
\end{minipage}
\end{center}
-\caption[Structure, charge density isosurface and Kohn-Sham level diagram of the bond-centered interstitial configuration.]{Structure, charge density isosurface and Kohn-Sham level diagram of the bond-centered interstitial configuration. Gray, green and blue surfaces mark the charge density of spin up, spin down and the resulting spin up electrons in the charge density isosurface, in which the carbon atom is represented by a red sphere. In the energy level diagram red and green lines mark occupied and unoccupied states.}
+\caption[Structure, charge density isosurface, molecular orbital diagram and Kohn-Sham level diagram of the bond-centered interstitial configuration.]{Structure, charge density, molecular orbital diagram isosurface and Kohn-Sham level diagram of the bond-centered interstitial configuration. Gray, green and blue surfaces mark the charge density of spin up, spin down and the resulting spin up electrons in the charge density isosurface, in which the carbon atom is represented by a red sphere. In the energy level diagram red and green lines mark occupied and unoccupied states.}
\label{img:defects:bc_conf}
\end{figure}
-In the BC insterstitial configuration the interstitial atom is located inbetween two next neighbored Si atoms forming linear bonds.
+In the BC insterstitial configuration the interstitial atom is located in between two next neighbored Si atoms forming linear bonds.
In a previous study this configuration was found to constitute an intermediate saddle point configuration determining the migration barrier of one possibe migration path of a \ci{} \hkl<1 0 0> DB configuration into an equivalent one \cite{capaz94}.
This is in agreement with results of the EA potential simulations, which reveal this configuration to be unstable relaxing into the \ci{} \hkl<1 1 0> configuration.
However, this fact could not be reproduced by spin polarized {\textsc vasp} calculations performed in this work.
As will be shown in subsequent migration simulations the same would happen to structures where the C atom is displaced along the migration direction, which approximately is the \hkl[1 1 0] direction.
These relaxations indicate that the BC configuration is a real local minimum instead of an assumed saddle point configuration.
Fig. \ref{img:defects:bc_conf} shows the structure, charge density isosurface and Kohn-Sham levels of the BC configuration.
+In fact, the net magnetization of two electrons is already suggested by simple molecular orbital theory considerations with respect to the bonding of the C atom.
The linear bonds of the C atom to the two Si atoms indicate the $sp$ hybridization of the C atom.
Two electrons participate to the linear $\sigma$ bonds with the Si neighbors.
The other two electrons constitute the $2p^2$ orbitals resulting in a net magnetization.
This is supported by the charge density isosurface and the Kohn-Sham levels in Fig. \ref{img:defects:bc_conf}.
The blue torus, which reinforces the assumption of the $p$ orbital, illustrates the resulting spin up electron density.
In addition, the energy level diagram shows a net amount of two spin up electrons.
-% todo smaller images, therefore add mo image
\section{Migration of the carbon interstitial}
\label{subsection:100mig}
Since the \ci{} \hkl<1 0 0> DB is the most probable, hence, most important configuration, the migration of this defect atom from one site of the Si host lattice to a neighboring site is in the focus of investigation.
\begin{figure}[tp]
\begin{center}
+%
\begin{minipage}{15cm}
-\underline{\hkl<0 0 -1> $\rightarrow$ \hkl<0 0 1>}\\
+\centering
+\framebox{\hkl<0 0 -1> $\rightarrow$ \hkl<0 0 1>}\\
\begin{minipage}{4.5cm}
\includegraphics[width=4.5cm]{c_pd_vasp/100_2333.eps}
\end{minipage}
\begin{minipage}{4.5cm}
\includegraphics[width=4.5cm]{c_pd_vasp/100_next_2333.eps}
\end{minipage}
-\end{minipage}\\
+\end{minipage}\\[0.5cm]
+%
\begin{minipage}{15cm}
-\underline{\hkl<0 0 -1> $\rightarrow$ \hkl<0 -1 0>}\\
+\centering
+\framebox{\hkl<0 0 -1> $\rightarrow$ \hkl<0 -1 0>}\\
\begin{minipage}{4.5cm}
\includegraphics[width=4.5cm]{c_pd_vasp/100_2333.eps}
\end{minipage}
\begin{minipage}{4.5cm}
\includegraphics[width=4.5cm]{c_pd_vasp/0-10_2333.eps}
\end{minipage}
-\end{minipage}\\
+\end{minipage}\\[0.5cm]
+%
\begin{minipage}{15cm}
-\underline{\hkl<0 0 -1> $\rightarrow$ \hkl<0 -1 0> (in place)}\\
+\centering
+\framebox{\hkl<0 0 -1> $\rightarrow$ \hkl<0 -1 0> (in place)}\\
\begin{minipage}{4.5cm}
\includegraphics[width=4.5cm]{c_pd_vasp/100_2333.eps}
\end{minipage}
\begin{figure}[tp]
\begin{center}
-\includegraphics[width=13cm]{im_00-1_nosym_sp_fullct_thesis.ps}\\[1.5cm]
-\begin{picture}(0,0)(150,0)
-\includegraphics[width=2.5cm]{vasp_mig/00-1.eps}
-\end{picture}
-\begin{picture}(0,0)(-10,0)
-\includegraphics[width=2.5cm]{vasp_mig/bc_00-1_sp.eps}
-\end{picture}
-\begin{picture}(0,0)(-120,0)
-\includegraphics[width=2.5cm]{vasp_mig/bc.eps}
-\end{picture}
-\begin{picture}(0,0)(25,20)
-\includegraphics[width=2.5cm]{110_arrow.eps}
-\end{picture}
-\begin{picture}(0,0)(200,0)
-\includegraphics[height=2.2cm]{001_arrow.eps}
-\end{picture}
+\includegraphics[width=0.7\textwidth]{im_00-1_nosym_sp_fullct_thesis_vasp_s.ps}
\end{center}
\caption[Migration barrier and structures of the \hkl<0 0 -1> DB (left) to BC (right) transition.]{Migration barrier and structures of the \hkl<0 0 -1> DB (left) to BC (right) transition. Bonds of the C atom are illustrated by blue lines.}
\label{fig:defects:00-1_001_mig}
\begin{figure}[tp]
\begin{center}
\includegraphics[width=0.7\textwidth]{00-1_0-10_vasp_s.ps}
-%\includegraphics[width=13cm]{vasp_mig/00-1_0-10_nosym_sp_fullct.ps}\\[1.6cm]
-%\begin{picture}(0,0)(140,0)
-%\includegraphics[width=2.5cm]{vasp_mig/00-1_a.eps}
-%\end{picture}
-%\begin{picture}(0,0)(20,0)
-%\includegraphics[width=2.5cm]{vasp_mig/00-1_0-10_sp.eps}
-%\end{picture}
-%\begin{picture}(0,0)(-120,0)
-%\includegraphics[width=2.5cm]{vasp_mig/0-10.eps}
-%\end{picture}
-%\begin{picture}(0,0)(25,20)
-%\includegraphics[width=2.5cm]{100_arrow.eps}
-%\end{picture}
-%\begin{picture}(0,0)(200,0)
-%\includegraphics[height=2.2cm]{001_arrow.eps}
-%\end{picture}
\end{center}
-\caption[Migration barrier and structures of the \hkl<0 0 -1> DB (left) to the \hkl<0 -1 0> DB (right) transition.]{Migration barrier and structures of the \hkl[0 0 -1] DB (left) to the \hkl[0 -1 0] DB (right) transition. Bonds of the C atom are illustrated by blue lines. {\color{red} Prototype design, adjust related figures!}}
+\caption[Migration barrier and structures of the \hkl<0 0 -1> DB (left) to the \hkl<0 -1 0> DB (right) transition.]{Migration barrier and structures of the \hkl[0 0 -1] DB (left) to the \hkl[0 -1 0] DB (right) transition. Bonds of the C atom are illustrated by blue lines.}
% todo read above caption! enable [] hkls in short caption
\label{fig:defects:00-1_0-10_mig}
\end{figure}
\begin{figure}[tp]
\begin{center}
-\includegraphics[width=13cm]{vasp_mig/00-1_ip0-10_nosym_sp_fullct.ps}\\[1.8cm]
-\begin{picture}(0,0)(140,0)
-\includegraphics[width=2.2cm]{vasp_mig/00-1_b.eps}
-\end{picture}
-\begin{picture}(0,0)(20,0)
-\includegraphics[width=2.2cm]{vasp_mig/00-1_ip0-10_sp.eps}
-\end{picture}
-\begin{picture}(0,0)(-120,0)
-\includegraphics[width=2.2cm]{vasp_mig/0-10_b.eps}
-\end{picture}
-\begin{picture}(0,0)(25,20)
-\includegraphics[width=2.5cm]{100_arrow.eps}
-\end{picture}
-\begin{picture}(0,0)(200,0)
-\includegraphics[height=2.2cm]{001_arrow.eps}
-\end{picture}
+\includegraphics[width=0.7\textwidth]{00-1_ip0-10_nosym_sp_fullct_vasp_s.ps}
\end{center}
\caption[Reorientation barrier and structures of the \hkl<0 0 -1> DB (left) to the \hkl<0 -1 0> DB (right) transition in place.]{Reorientation barrier and structures of the \hkl<0 0 -1> DB (left) to the \hkl<0 -1 0> DB (right) transition in place. Bonds of the carbon atoms are illustrated by blue lines.}
\label{fig:defects:00-1_0-10_ip_mig}
%\includegraphics[height=2.2cm]{010_arrow.eps}
%\end{picture}
\end{center}
-\caption[Migration barrier and structures of the \ci{} BC to \hkl<0 0 -1> DB transition using the classical EA potential.]{Migration barrier and structures of the \ci{} BC to \hkl[0 0 -1] DB transition using the classical EA potential. Two migration pathways are obtained for different time constants of the Berendsen thermostat. The lowest activation energy is \unit[2.2]{eV}. {\color{red} Prototype design, adjust related figures!}}
+\caption[Migration barrier and structures of the \ci{} BC to \hkl<0 0 -1> DB transition using the classical EA potential.]{Migration barrier and structures of the \ci{} BC to \hkl[0 0 -1] DB transition using the classical EA potential. Two migration pathways are obtained for different time constants of the Berendsen thermostat. The lowest activation energy is \unit[2.2]{eV}.}
\label{fig:defects:cp_bc_00-1_mig}
% red: ./visualize -w 640 -h 480 -d saves/c_in_si_mig_bc_00-1_s20 -nll -0.56 -0.56 -0.7 -fur 0.2 0.2 0.0 -c 0.75 -1.25 -0.25 -L -0.25 -0.25 -0.25 -r 0.6 -B 0.1
% blue: ./visualize -w 640 -h 480 -d saves/c_in_si_mig_bc_00-1_s20_tr100/ -nll -0.56 -0.56 -0.7 -fur 0.2 0.2 0.0 -c 0.0 -0.25 1.0 -L 0.0 -0.25 -0.25 -r 0.6 -B 0.1
\begin{figure}[tp]
\begin{center}
-\includegraphics[width=13cm]{00-1_0-10.ps}\\[2.4cm]
-\begin{pspicture}(0,0)(0,0)
-\psframe[linecolor=red,fillstyle=none](-6,-0.5)(7.2,2.8)
-\end{pspicture}
-\begin{picture}(0,0)(130,-10)
-\includegraphics[width=2.2cm]{albe_mig/00-1_0-10_red_00.eps}
-\end{picture}
-\begin{picture}(0,0)(0,-10)
-\includegraphics[width=2.2cm]{albe_mig/00-1_0-10_red_min.eps}
-\end{picture}
-\begin{picture}(0,0)(-120,-10)
-\includegraphics[width=2.2cm]{albe_mig/00-1_0-10_red_03.eps}
-\end{picture}
-\begin{picture}(0,0)(25,10)
-\includegraphics[width=2.5cm]{100_arrow.eps}
-\end{picture}
-\begin{picture}(0,0)(185,-10)
-\includegraphics[height=2.2cm]{001_arrow.eps}
-\end{picture}
+\includegraphics[width=0.7\textwidth]{00-1_0-10_albe_s.ps}
\end{center}
\caption{Migration barrier and structures of the \ci{} \hkl<0 0 -1> to \hkl<0 -1 0> DB transition using the classical EA potential.}
% red: ./visualize -w 640 -h 480 -d saves/c_in_si_mig_00-1_0-10_s20 -nll -0.56 -0.56 -0.8 -fur 0.3 0.2 0 -c -0.125 -1.7 0.7 -L -0.125 -0.25 -0.25 -r 0.6 -B 0.1
Figures \ref{fig:defects:cp_00-1_0-10_mig} and \ref{fig:defects:cp_00-1_ip0-10_mig} show the migration barriers of the \ci{} \hkl<0 0 -1> to \hkl<0 -1 0> DB transition.
In the first case, the transition involves a change in the lattice site of the C atom whereas in the second case, a reorientation at the same lattice site takes place.
In the first case, the pathways for the two different time cosntants look similar.
-A local minimum exists inbetween two peaks of the graph.
+A local minimum exists in between two peaks of the graph.
The corresponding configuration, which is illustrated for the results obtained for a time constant of \unit[1]{fs}, looks similar to the \ci{} \hkl<1 1 0> configuration.
Indeed, this configuration is obtained by relaxation simulations without constraints of configurations near the minimum.
Activation energies of roughly \unit[2.8]{eV} and \unit[2.7]{eV} are needed for migration.
\begin{center}
\includegraphics[width=0.7\textwidth]{00-1_110_0-10_mig_albe.ps}
\end{center}
-\caption[Migration barrier and structures of the \ci{} \hkl<0 0 -1> (left) to the \hkl<0 -1 0> DB (right) transition involving the \hkl<1 1 0> DB (center) configuration.]{Migration barrier and structures of the \ci{} \hkl[0 0 -1] (left) to the \hkl[0 -1 0] DB (right) transition involving the \hkl[1 1 0] DB (center) configuration. Migration simulations were performed utilizing time constants of \unit[1]{fs} (solid line) and \unit[100]{fs} (dashed line) for the Berendsen thermostat.}
+\caption[Migration barrier and structures of the \ci{} \hkl<0 0 -1> (left) to the \hkl<0 -1 0> DB (right) transition involving the \hkl<1 1 0> DB (center) configuration.]{Migration barrier and structures of the \ci{} \hkl[0 0 -1] (left) to the \hkl[0 -1 0] DB (right) transition involving the \hkl[1 1 0] DB (center) configuration. Migration simulations are performed utilizing time constants of \unit[1]{fs} (solid line) and \unit[100]{fs} (dashed line) for the Berendsen thermostat.}
\label{fig:defects:involve110}
\end{figure}
Approximately \unit[2.2]{eV} are needed to turn the \ci{} \hkl[0 0 -1] into the \hkl[1 1 0] DB located at the neighbored lattice site in \hkl[1 1 -1] direction.
Although classical potential simulations reproduce the same order in energy of the \ci{} \hkl<1 0 0> and \hkl<1 1 0> DB interstitial configurations as obtained by more accurate quantum-mechanical calculations, the obtained migration pathways and resulting activation energies differ to a great extent.
On the one hand, the most favorable pathways differ.
-On the other hand, the activation energies obtained by classical potential simulations are tremendously overestimated by a factor of 2.4 to 3.5.
+However, the pathway, which is considered most probable in the classical potential treatment, exhibits the same starting and final configuration of the DB structure as well as the change in orientation during migration as obtained by quantum-mechanical calculations.
+On the other hand, the activation energy obtained by classical potential simulations is tremendously overestimated by a factor of 2.4 to 3.5.
+The overestimated barrier is due to the short range character of the potential, which drops the interaction to zero within the first and next neighbor distance.
+Since the total binding energy is accommodated within a short distance, which according to the universal energy relation would usually correspond to a much larger distance, unphysical high forces between two neighbored atoms arise.
+This is explained in more detail in a previous study \cite{mattoni2007}.
Thus, atomic diffusion is wrongly described in the classical potential approach.
The probability of already rare diffusion events is further decreased for this reason.
However, agglomeration of C and diffusion of Si self-interstitials are an important part of the proposed SiC precipitation mechanism.
Thus, a serious limitation that has to be taken into account for appropriately modeling the C/Si system using the otherwise quite promising EA potential is revealed.
Possible workarounds are discussed in more detail in section \ref{section:md:limit}.
-\section{Combination of point defects}
+\section{Combination of point defects and related diffusion processes}
The study proceeds with a structural and energetic investigation of pairs of the ground-state and, thus, most probable defect configurations that are believed to be fundamental in the Si to SiC conversion.
Investigations are restricted to quantum-mechanical calculations.
\begin{figure}[tp]
+% ./visualize_contcar -w 640 -h 480 -d results/.../CONTCAR -nll -0.20 -0.20 -0.6 -fur 1.2 1.2 0.6 -c 0.5 -1.5 0.3 -L 0.5 0 0 -r 0.6 -m 3.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.0 -A -1 2.465
\begin{center}
-\subfigure[]{\label{fig:defects:combos_ci}\includegraphics[width=0.3\textwidth]{combos_ci.eps}}
+\subfigure[]{\label{fig:defects:combos_ci}\includegraphics[width=0.3\textwidth]{combos_ci_col.eps}}
\hspace{0.5cm}
\subfigure[]{\label{fig:defects:combos_si}\includegraphics[width=0.3\textwidth]{combos.eps}}
\end{center}
-\caption{Position of the initial \ci{} \hkl[0 0 -1] DB (I) (a) and of the lattice site chosen for the initial \si{} \hkl<1 1 0> DB (\si) (b). Lattice sites for the second defect used for investigating defect pairs are numbered from 1 to 5.}
+\caption{Position of the initial \ci{} \hkl[0 0 -1] DB (I) (a) and of the lattice site chosen for the initial \si{} \hkl<1 1 0> DB (\si) (b). Lattice sites for the second defect used for investigating defect pairs are numbered from 1 to 5. For black/red/blue numbers, one/two/four possible atom(s) exist for the second defect to create equivalent defect combinations.}
\label{fig:defects:combos}
\end{figure}
Fig.~\ref{fig:defects:combos} schematically displays the initial \ci{} \hkl[0 0 -1] DB structure (Fig.~\ref{fig:defects:combos_ci}) as well as the lattice site chosen for the initial \si{} \hkl<1 1 0> DB (Fig.~\ref{fig:defects:combos_si}) and various positions for the second defect (1-5) that are used for investigating defect pairs.
+The color of the number denotes the amount of possible atoms for the second defect resulting in equivalent configurations.
Binding energies of the defect pair are determined by equation \ref{eq:basics:e_bind}.
-Next to formation and binding energies, migration barriers are investigated, which allow to draw conclusions on the probability of the formation of such defect complexes by thermally activated diffusion processes.
+Next to formation and binding energies, migration barriers are investigated, which allow to draw conclusions on the probability of the formation of such defect complexes by thermally activated diffusion processes.
\subsection[Pairs of \ci{} \hkl<1 0 0>-type interstitials]{\boldmath Pairs of \ci{} \hkl<1 0 0>-type interstitials}
\label{subsection:defects:c-si_comb}
The interpolated graph suggests the disappearance of attractive interaction forces, which are proportional to the slope of the graph, in between the two lowest separation distances of the defects.
This finding, in turn, supports the previously established assumption of C agglomeration and absence of C clustering.
-\subsection{Diffusion processes among configurations of \ci{} pairs}
+%\subsection{Diffusion processes among configurations of \ci{} pairs}
+To draw further conclusions on the probability of C clustering, transitions into the ground-state configuration are investigated.
Based on the lowest energy migration path of a single \ci{} \hkl<1 0 0> DB, the configuration, in which the second \ci{} DB is oriented along \hkl[0 1 0] at position 2 is assumed to constitute an ideal starting point for a transition into the ground state.
In addition, the starting configuration exhibits a low binding energy (\unit[-1.90]{eV}) and is, thus, very likely to occur.
-However, a barrier height of more than \unit[4]{eV} is detected resulting in a low probability for the transition.
+However, a smooth transition path is not found.
+Intermediate configurations within the investigated turbulent pathway identify barrier heights of more than \unit[4]{eV} resulting in a low probability for the transition.
The high activation energy is attributed to the stability of such a low energy configuration, in which the C atom of the second DB is located close to the initial DB.
+Due to an effective stress compensation realized in the respective low energy configuration, which will necessarily be lost during migration, a high energy configuration needs to get passed, which is responsible for the high barrier.
Low barriers are only identified for transitions starting from energetically less favorable configurations, e.g. the configuration of a \hkl[-1 0 0] DB located at position 2 (\unit[-0.36]{eV}).
Starting from this configuration, an activation energy of only \unit[1.2]{eV} is necessary for the transition into the ground state configuration.
The corresponding migration energies and atomic configurations are displayed in Fig.~\ref{fig:036-239}.
%\end{figure}
%
Table~\ref{tab:defects:c-s} lists the energetic results of \cs{} combinations with the initial \ci{} \hkl[0 0 -1] DB.
-For \cs{} located at position 1 and 3, the configurations a and A correspond to the naive relaxation of the structure by substituting the Si atom by a C atom in the initial \ci{} \hkl[0 0 -1] DB structure at positions 1 and 3 respectively.
-However, small displacements of the involved atoms near the defect result in different stable structures labeled b and B respectively.
-Fig.~\ref{fig:093-095} and \ref{fig:026-128} show structures A, B and a, b together with the barrier of migration for the A to B and a to b transition respectively.
+For \cs{} located at position 1 and 3, the configurations $\alpha$ and A correspond to the naive relaxation of the structure by substituting the Si atom by a C atom in the initial \ci{} \hkl[0 0 -1] DB structure at positions 1 and 3 respectively.
+However, small displacements of the involved atoms near the defect result in different stable structures labeled $\beta$ and B respectively.
+Fig.~\ref{fig:093-095} and \ref{fig:026-128} show structures A, B and $\alpha$, $\beta$ together with the barrier of migration for the A to B and $\alpha$ to $\beta$ transition respectively.
% A B
%./visualize_contcar -w 640 -h 480 -d results/c_00-1_c3_csub_B -nll -0.20 -0.4 -0.1 -fur 0.9 0.6 0.9 -c 0.5 -1.5 0.375 -L 0.5 0 0.3 -r 0.6 -A -1 2.465
% mattoni: A favored by 0.4 eV - NO, it is indeed B (reinforce Song and Capaz)!
%
% AB transition
-The migration barrier ss identified to be \unit[0.44]{eV}, almost three times higher than the experimental value of \unit[0.16]{eV} \cite{song90_2} estimated for the neutral charge state transition in p- and n-type Si.
+The migration barrier is identified to be \unit[0.44]{eV}, almost three times higher than the experimental value of \unit[0.16]{eV} \cite{song90_2} estimated for the neutral charge state transition in p- and n-type Si.
Keeping in mind the formidable agreement of the energy difference with experiment, the overestimated activation energy is quite unexpected.
Obviously, either the CRT algorithm fails to seize the actual saddle point structure or the influence of dopants has exceptional effect in the experimentally covered diffusion process being responsible for the low migration barrier.
% not satisfactory!
% a b
\begin{figure}[tp]
\begin{center}
-\includegraphics[width=0.7\textwidth]{026-128.ps}
+\includegraphics[width=0.7\textwidth]{comb_mig_026-128_vasp.ps}
\end{center}
\caption{Migration barrier and structures of the transition of the initial C$_{\text{i}}$ \hkl[0 0 -1] DB and C$_{\text{s}}$ at position 1 (left) into a C-C \hkl[1 0 0] DB occupying the lattice site at position 1 (right). An activation energy of \unit[0.1]{eV} is observed.}
\label{fig:026-128}
\end{figure}
-Configuration a is similar to configuration A, except that the C$_{\text{s}}$ atom at position 1 is facing the C DB atom as a neighbor resulting in the formation of a strong C-C bond and a much more noticeable perturbation of the DB structure.
+Configuration $\alpha$ is similar to configuration A, except that the C$_{\text{s}}$ atom at position 1 is facing the C DB atom as a neighbor resulting in the formation of a strong C-C bond and a much more noticeable perturbation of the DB structure.
Nevertheless, the C and Si DB atoms remain threefold coordinated.
Although the C-C bond exhibiting a distance of \unit[0.15]{nm} close to the distance expected in diamond or graphite should lead to a huge gain in energy, a repulsive interaction with a binding energy of \unit[0.26]{eV} is observed due to compressive strain of the Si DB atom and its top neighbors (\unit[0.230]{nm}/\unit[0.236]{nm}) along with additional tensile strain of the C$_{\text{s}}$ and its three neighboring Si atoms (\unit[0.198-0.209]{nm}/\unit[0.189]{nm}).
Again a single bond switch, i.e. the breaking of the bond of the Si atom bound to the fourfold coordinated C$_{\text{s}}$ atom and the formation of a double bond between the two C atoms, results in configuration b.
% mattoni: A favored by 0.2 eV - NO! (again, missing spin polarization?)
A net magnetization of two spin up electrons, which are equally localized as in the Si$_{\text{i}}$ \hkl<1 0 0> DB structure is observed.
In fact, these two configurations are very similar and are qualitatively different from the C$_{\text{i}}$ \hkl<1 0 0> DB that does not show magnetization but a nearly collinear bond of the C DB atom to its two neighbored Si atoms while the Si DB atom approximates \unit[120]{$^{\circ}$} angles in between its bonds.
-Configurations a, A and B are not affected by spin polarization and show zero magnetization.
-Mattoni et~al.~\cite{mattoni2002}, in contrast, find configuration b less favorable than configuration A by \unit[0.2]{eV}.
+Configurations $\alpha$, A and B are not affected by spin polarization and show zero magnetization.
+Mattoni et~al.~\cite{mattoni2002}, in contrast, find configuration $\beta$ less favorable than configuration A by \unit[0.2]{eV}.
Next to differences in the XC functional and plane-wave energy cut-off, this discrepancy might be attributed to the neglect of spin polarization in their calculations, which -- as has been shown for the C$_{\text{i}}$ BC configuration -- results in an increase of configurational energy.
-Indeed, investigating the migration path from configurations a to b and, in doing so, reusing the wave functions of the previous migration step the final structure, i.e. configuration b, is obtained with zero magnetization and an increase in configurational energy by \unit[0.2]{eV}.
+Indeed, investigating the migration path from configurations $\alpha$ to $\beta$ and, in doing so, reusing the wave functions of the previous migration step the final structure, i.e. configuration $\beta$, is obtained with zero magnetization and an increase in configurational energy by \unit[0.2]{eV}.
Obviously a different energy minimum of the electronic system is obtained indicating hysteresis behavior.
However, since the total energy is lower for the magnetic result it is believed to constitute the real, i.e. global, minimum with respect to electronic minimization.
%
\label{fig_defects:245csub}
\end{figure}
Fig.~\ref{fig_defects:245csub} lists the remaining configurations and binding energies of the relaxed structures obtained by creating a \cs{} at positions 2, 4 and 5 in the \ci{} \hkl[0 0 -1] DB configuration.
+% todo explain some configurations, source: old text some lines below
% c agglomeration vs c clustering ... migs to b conf
% 2 more migs: 051 -> 128 and 026! forgot why ... probably it's about probability of C clustering
-Obviously agglomeration of C$_{\text{i}}$ and C$_{\text{s}}$ is energetically favorable except for separations along one of the \hkl<1 1 0> directions.
-The energetically most favorable configuration (configuration b) forms a strong but compressively strained C-C bond with a separation distance of \unit[0.142]{nm} sharing a Si lattice site.
-Again, conclusions concerning the probability of formation are drawn by investigating migration paths.
+Obviously, agglomeration of C$_{\text{i}}$ and C$_{\text{s}}$ is energetically favorable except for separations along one of the \hkl<1 1 0> directions.
+The energetically most favorable configuration (configuration $\beta$) forms a strong but compressively strained C-C bond with a separation distance of \unit[0.142]{nm} sharing a Si lattice site.
+Again, conclusions concerning the probability of formation are drawn by investigating respective migration paths.
Since C$_{\text{s}}$ is unlikely to exhibit a low activation energy for migration the focus is on C$_{\text{i}}$.
-Pathways starting from the two next most favored configurations were investigated, which show activation energies above \unit[2.2]{eV} and \unit[3.5]{eV} respectively.
+Pathways starting from the next most favored configuration, i.e. \cs{} located at position 2, into configuration $\alpha$ and $\beta$ are investigated, which show activation energies above \unit[2.2]{eV} and \unit[2.5]{eV}.
+The respective barriers and structures are displayed in Fig.~\ref{fig:051-xxx}.
+For the transition into configuration $\beta$, as before, the non-magnetic configuration is obtained.
+If not forced by the CRT algorithm, the structures beyond \perc{50} and below \perc{90} displacement of the transition approaching configuration $\alpha$ would settle into configuration $\beta$.
+\begin{figure}[tp]
+\begin{center}
+\includegraphics[width=0.7\textwidth]{comb_mig_051-xxx_conf.ps}
+\end{center}
+\caption{Migration barrier and structures of the transition of a configuration equivalent to the one of the initial \hkl<0 0 -1> \ci{} DB with \cs{} located at position 2 into the $\alpha$ and $\beta$ configurations.}
+\label{fig:051-xxx}
+\end{figure}
Although lower than the barriers for obtaining the ground state of two C$_{\text{i}}$ defects, the activation energies are yet considered too high.
For the same reasons as in the last subsection, structures other than the ground-state configuration are, thus, assumed to arise more likely due to much lower activation energies necessary for their formation and still comparatively low binding energies.
Fig.~\ref{fig:defects:050} shows the relaxed structure of a vacancy created at position 5.
The Si DB atom is largely displaced along \hkl[1 1 0] and somewhat less along \hkl[0 0 -1], which corresponds to the direction towards the vacancy.
The \si DB atom approaches Si atom number 1.
-Indeed, a non-zero charge density is observed inbetween these two atoms exhibiting a cylinder-like shape superposed with the charge density known from the DB itself.
+Indeed, a non-zero charge density is observed in between these two atoms exhibiting a cylinder-like shape superposed with the charge density known from the DB itself.
Strain reduced by this huge displacement is partially absorbed by tensile strain on Si atom number 1 originating from attractive forces of the C atom and the vacancy.
A binding energy of \unit[-0.50]{eV} is observed.
Si atoms 1 and 2, which form the initial DB, occupy Si lattice sites in the final configuration while Si atom 3 is transferred from a regular lattice site into the interstitial lattice.
These results support the above assumptions of an increased entropic contribution to structural formation involving C$_{\text{s}}$ to a greater extent.
-
-% todo migration of \si{}!
-
+% link to migration of \si{}!
+% todo - make it a subsection
+The possibility for separated configurations of \cs{} and \si{} becomes even more likely if one of the constituents exhibits a low barrier of migration.
+In this case, the \si{} is assumed to constitute the mobile defect compared to the stable \cs{} atom.
+Thus, migration paths of \si{} are investigated in the following excursus.
+Acoording to Fig.~\ref{fig:defects:si_mig1}, an activation energy of \unit[0.67]{eV} is necessary for the transition of the \si{} \hkl[0 -1 1] to \hkl[1 1 0] DB located at the neighbored Si lattice site in \hkl[1 1 -1] direction.
+\begin{figure}[tp]
+\begin{center}
+\includegraphics[width=0.7\textwidth]{si_110_110_mig_02_conf.ps}
+\end{center}
+\caption[Migration barrier and structures of the \si{} \hkl<1 1 0> DB.]{Migration barrier and structures of the \si{} \hkl[0 -1 1] DB (left) to the \hkl[1 1 0] DB (right) transition. Bonds are illustrated by blue lines.}
+% todo read above caption! enable [] hkls in short caption
+\label{fig:defects:si_mig1}
+\end{figure}
+The barrier, which is even lower than the one for \ci{}, indeed indicates highly mobile \si.
+In fact, a similar transition is expected if the \si{} atom, which does not change the lattice site during transition, is located next to a \cs{} atom.
+Due to the low barrier the initial separation of the \cs{} and \si{} atom are very likely to occur.
+Further investigations revealed transition barriers of \unit[0.94]{eV} for the Si$_{\text{i}}$ \hkl[1 1 0] DB to the hexagonal Si$_{\text{i}}$, \unit[0.53]{eV} for the Si$_{\text{i}}$ \hkl[1 1 0] DB to the tetrahedral Si$_{\text{i}}$ and \unit[0.35]{eV} for the hexagonal Si$_{\text{i}}$ to the tetrahedral Si$_{\text{i}}$ configuration.
+The respective configurational energies are shown in Fig.~\ref{fig:defects:si_mig2}.
+\begin{figure}[tp]
+\begin{center}
+\includegraphics[width=0.7\textwidth]{si_mig_rest.ps}
+\end{center}
+\caption{Migration barrier of the \si{} \hkl[1 1 0] DB into the hexagonal (H) and tetrahedral (T) configuration as well as the hexagonal \si{} to tetrahedral \si{} transition.}
+% todo read above caption! enable [] hkls in short caption
+\label{fig:defects:si_mig2}
+\end{figure}
+The obtained activation energies are of the same order of magnitude than values derived from other ab initio studies \cite{bloechl93,sahli05}.
+The low barriers indeed enable configurations of further separated \cs{} and \si{} atoms by the highly mobile \si{} atom departing from the \cs{} defect as observed in the previously discussed MD simulation.
% kept for nostalgical reason!
\section{Conclusions concerning the SiC conversion mechanism}
+\ifnum1=0
+
Obtained results for separated point defects in Si are in good agreement to previous theoretical work on this subject, both for intrinsic defects \cite{leung99,al-mushadani03} as well as for C point defects \cite{dal_pino93,capaz94}.
The ground-state configurations of these defects, i.e. the Si$_{\text{i}}$ \hkl<1 1 0> and C$_{\text{i}}$ \hkl<1 0 0> DB, are reproduced and compare well to previous findings of theoretical investigations on Si$_{\text{i}}$ \cite{leung99,al-mushadani03} as well as theoretical \cite{dal_pino93,capaz94,burnard93,leary97,jones04} and experimental \cite{watkins76,song90} studies on C$_{\text{i}}$.
A quantitatively improved activation energy of \unit[0.9]{eV} for a qualitatively equal migration path based on studies by Capaz et.~al.~\cite{capaz94} to experimental values \cite{song90,lindner06,tipping87} ranging from \unit[0.70-0.87]{eV} reinforce their derived mechanism of diffusion for C$_{\text{i}}$ in Si
Comparatively high energies necessary for the reverse process reveal this configuration to be extremely stable.
Thus, C interstitials and vacancies located close together are assumed to end up in such a configuration, in which the C atom is tetrahedrally coordinated and bound to four Si atoms as expected in SiC.
-Investigating configurations of C$_{\text{s}}$ and Si$_{\text{i}}$, formation energies higher than that of the C$_{\text{i}}$ \hkl<1 0 0> DB were obtained keeping up previously derived assumptions concerning the ground state of C$_{\text{i}}$ in otherwise perfect Si.
+Investigating configurations of C$_{\text{s}}$ and Si$_{\text{i}}$, formation energies higher than that of the C$_{\text{i}}$ \hkl<1 0 0> DB are obtained keeping up previously derived assumptions concerning the ground state of C$_{\text{i}}$ in otherwise perfect Si.
However, a small capture radius is identified for the respective interaction that might prevent the recombination of defects exceeding a separation of \unit[0.6]{nm} into the ground state configuration.
In addition, a rather small activation energy of \unit[0.77]{eV} allows for the formation of a C$_{\text{s}}$-Si$_{\text{i}}$ pair originating from the C$_{\text{i}}$ \hkl<1 0 0> DB structure by thermally activated processes.
Thus, elevated temperatures might lead to thermodynamically unstable configurations of C$_{\text{s}}$ and a remaining Si atom in the near interstitial lattice, which is supported by the result of an {\em ab initio} molecular dynamics run.
%Thus, due to missing attractive interaction forces driving the system to form C-Si \hkl<1 0 0> dumbbell interstitial complexes substitutional C, while thermodynamically not stable, constitutes a most likely configuration occuring in IBS, a process far from equlibrium.
-% todo
-% maybe move above stuff to conclusion chapter, at least shorten!
-% see remember in sic chapter
+\fi
+
+% todo - sync with conclusion chapter
These findings allow to draw conclusions on the mechanisms involved in the process of SiC conversion in Si.
Agglomeration of C$_{\text{i}}$ is energetically favored and enabled by a low activation energy for migration.
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