\section{Silicon self-interstitials}
-For investigating the \si{} structures a Si atom is inserted or removed according to Fig. \ref{fig:basics:ins_pos} of section \ref{section:basics:defects}.
+For investigating the \si{} structures a Si atom is inserted or removed according to Fig.~\ref{fig:basics:ins_pos} of section \ref{section:basics:defects}.
The formation energies of \si{} configurations are listed in Table \ref{tab:defects:si_self} for both methods used in this work as well as results obtained by other {\em ab initio} studies \cite{al-mushadani03,leung99}.
\bibpunct{}{}{,}{n}{}{}
\begin{table}[tp]
& \hkl<1 1 0> DB & H & T & \hkl<1 0 0> DB & V \\
\hline
\multicolumn{6}{c}{Present study} \\
-{\textsc vasp} & 3.39 & 3.42 & 3.77 & 4.41 & 3.63 \\
-{\textsc posic} & 4.39 & 4.48$^*$ & 3.40 & 5.42 & 3.13 \\
+\textsc{vasp} & 3.39 & 3.42 & 3.77 & 4.41 & 3.63 \\
+\textsc{posic} & 4.39 & 4.48$^*$ & 3.40 & 5.42 & 3.13 \\
\multicolumn{6}{c}{Other {\em ab initio} studies} \\
Ref. \cite{al-mushadani03} & 3.40 & 3.45 & - & - & 3.53 \\
Ref. \cite{leung99} & 3.31 & 3.31 & 3.43 & - & - \\
\caption[Relaxed Si self-interstitial defect configurations obtained by classical potential calculations.]{Relaxed Si self-interstitial defect configurations obtained by classical potential calculations. Si atoms and bonds are illustrated by yellow spheres and blue lines. Bonds of the defect atoms are drawn in red color.}
\label{fig:defects:conf}
\end{figure}
-The final configurations obtained after relaxation are presented in Fig. \ref{fig:defects:conf}.
+The final configurations obtained after relaxation are presented in Fig.~\ref{fig:defects:conf}.
The displayed structures are the results of the classical potential simulations.
There are differences between the various results of the quantum-mechanical calculations but the consensus view is that the \hkl<1 1 0> dumbbell (DB) followed by the hexagonal and tetrahedral defect is the lowest in energy.
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.
-In Fig. \ref{fig:defects:kin_si_hex} the relaxation process is shown on the basis of the kinetic energy plot.
+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}
\includegraphics[width=0.7\textwidth]{e_kin_si_hex.ps}
\caption{Kinetic energy plot of the relaxation process of the hexagonal silicon self-interstitial defect simulation using the EA potential.}
\label{fig:defects:kin_si_hex}
\end{figure}
-To exclude failures in the implementation of the potential or the MD code itself the hexagonal defect structure was double-checked with the {\textsc parcas} MD code \cite{parcas_md}.
-The respective relaxation energetics are likewise plotted and look similar to the energetics obtained by {\textsc posic}.
+To exclude failures in the implementation of the potential or the MD code itself the hexagonal defect structure was double-checked with the \textsc{parcas} MD code \cite{parcas_md}.
+The respective relaxation energetics are likewise plotted and look similar to the energetics obtained by \textsc{posic}.
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 tetrahedral 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.
\caption{Migration barrier of the tetrahedral Si self-interstitial slightly displaced along all three coordinate axes into the exact tetrahedral configuration using classical potential calculations.}
\label{fig:defects:nhex_tet_mig}
\end{figure}
-This is exemplified in Fig. \ref{fig:defects:nhex_tet_mig}, which shows the change in configurational energy during the migration of the interstitial displaced along all three coordinate axes into the tetrahedral configuration.
+This is exemplified in Fig.~\ref{fig:defects:nhex_tet_mig}, which shows the change in configurational energy during the migration of the interstitial displaced along all three coordinate axes into the tetrahedral configuration.
The barrier is smaller than \unit[0.2]{eV}.
Hence, these artifacts have a negligible influence in finite temperature simulations.
The bond-centered (BC) configuration is unstable and, thus, is not listed.
-The \si{} \hkl<1 0 0> DB constitutes the most unfavorable configuration for both, the EA and {\textsc vasp} calculations.
+The \si{} \hkl<1 0 0> DB constitutes the most unfavorable configuration for both, the EA and \textsc{vasp} calculations.
The quantum-mechanical treatment of the \si{} \hkl<1 0 0> DB demands for spin polarized calculations.
The same applies for the vacancy.
In the \si{} \hkl<1 0 0> DB configuration the net spin up density is localized in two caps at each of the two DB atoms perpendicularly aligned to the bonds to the other two Si atoms respectively.
For the vacancy the net spin up electron density is localized in caps at the four surrounding Si atoms directed towards the vacant site.
No other intrinsic defect configuration, within the ones that are mentioned, is affected by spin polarization.
-In the case of the classical potential simulations bonds between atoms are displayed if there is an interaction according to the potential model, i.e. if the distance of two atoms is within the cut-off radius $S_{ij}$ introduced in equation \eqref{eq:basics:fc}.
+In the case of the classical potential simulations bonds between atoms are displayed if there is an interaction according to the potential model, i.e.\ if the distance of two atoms is within the cut-off radius $S_{ij}$ introduced in equation \eqref{eq:basics:fc}.
For the tetrahedral and the slightly displaced configurations four bonds to the atoms located in the center of the planes of the unit cell exist in addition to the four tetrahedral bonds.
The length of these bonds are, however, close to the cut-off range and thus are weak interactions not constituting actual chemical bonds.
The same applies to the bonds between the interstitial and the upper two atoms in the \si{} \hkl<1 1 0> DB configuration.
\subsection{Defect structures in a nutshell}
-For investigating the \ci{} structures a C atom is inserted or removed according to Fig. \ref{fig:basics:ins_pos} of section \ref{section:basics:defects}.
+For investigating the \ci{} structures a C atom is inserted or removed according to Fig.~\ref{fig:basics:ins_pos} of section \ref{section:basics:defects}.
Formation energies of the most common C point defects in crystalline Si are summarized in Table \ref{tab:defects:c_ints}.
-The relaxed configurations are visualized in Fig. \ref{fig:defects:c_conf}.
+The relaxed configurations are visualized in Fig.~\ref{fig:defects:c_conf}.
Again, the displayed structures are the results obtained by the classical potential calculations.
The type of reservoir of the C impurity to determine the formation energy of the defect is chosen to be SiC.
This is consistent with the methods used in the articles \cite{tersoff90,dal_pino93}, which the results are compared to in the following.
& T & H & \hkl<1 0 0> DB & \hkl<1 1 0> DB & S & BC \\
\hline
Present study & & & & & & \\
- {\textsc posic} & 6.09 & 9.05$^*$ & 3.88 & 5.18 & 0.75 & 5.59$^*$ \\
- {\textsc vasp} & Unstable & Unstable & 3.72 & 4.16 & 1.95 & 4.66 \\
+ \textsc{posic} & 6.09 & 9.05$^*$ & 3.88 & 5.18 & 0.75 & 5.59$^*$ \\
+ \textsc{vasp} & Unstable & Unstable & 3.72 & 4.16 & 1.95 & 4.66 \\
Other studies & & & & & & \\
Tersoff \cite{tersoff90} & 3.8 & 6.7 & 4.6 & 5.9 & 1.6 & 5.3 \\
{\em Ab initio} \cite{dal_pino93,capaz94} & - & - & x & - & 1.89 & x+2.1 \\
An experimental value of the formation energy of \cs{} was determined by a fit to solubility data yielding a concentration of $3.5 \times 10^{24} \exp{(-2.3\,\text{eV}/k_{\text{B}}T)} \text{ cm}^{-3}$ \cite{bean71}.
However, there is no particular reason for treating the prefactor as a free parameter in the fit to the experimental data.
It is simply given by the atomic density of pure silicon, which is $5\times 10^{22}\text{ cm}^{-3}$.
-Tersoff \cite{tersoff90} and Dal Pino et al. \cite{dal_pino93} pointed out that by combining this prefactor with the calculated values for the energy of formation ranging from \unit[1.6-1.89]{eV} an excellent agreement with the experimental solubility data within the entire temperature range of the experiment is obtained.
+Tersoff \cite{tersoff90} and Dal Pino et al. \cite{dal_pino93} pointed out that by combining this prefactor with the calculated values for the energy of formation ranging from \unit[1.6--1.89]{eV} an excellent agreement with the experimental solubility data within the entire temperature range of the experiment is obtained.
This reinterpretation of the solubility data, first proposed by Tersoff and later on reinforced by Dal~Pino~et~al. is in good agreement with the results of the quantum-mechanical calculations performed in this work.
Unfortunately the EA potential undervalues the formation energy roughly by a factor of two, which is a definite drawback of the potential.
Except for Tersoff's results for the tetrahedral configuration, the \ci{} \hkl<1 0 0> DB is the energetically most favorable interstitial configuration.
-As mentioned above, the low energy of formation for the tetrahedral interstitial in the case of the Tersoff potential is believed to be an artifact of the abrupt cut-off set to \unit[2.5]{\AA} (see Ref. 11 and 13 in \cite{tersoff90}) and the real formation energy is, thus, supposed to be located between \unit[3-10]{eV}.
+As mentioned above, the low energy of formation for the tetrahedral interstitial in the case of the Tersoff potential is believed to be an artifact of the abrupt cut-off set to \unit[2.5]{\AA} (see Ref. 11 and 13 in \cite{tersoff90}) and the real formation energy is, thus, supposed to be located between \unit[3--10]{eV}.
Keeping these considerations in mind, the \ci{} \hkl<1 0 0> DB is the most favorable interstitial configuration for all interaction models.
This finding is in agreement with several theoretical\cite{burnard93,leary97,dal_pino93,capaz94,jones04} and experimental\cite{watkins76,song90} investigations, which all predict this configuration to be the ground state.
However, no energy of formation for this type of defect based on first-principles calculations has yet been explicitly stated in literature.
Quantum-mechanical results of this configuration are discussed in more detail in section \ref{subsection:bc}.
In another {\em ab initio} 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 neglecting 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.
+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.
It is worth to note that all other listed configurations are not affected by spin polarization.
However, in calculations performed in this work, which fully account for the spin of the electrons, the BC configuration in fact is a real local minimum and an energy barrier is needed to reach this configuration starting from the \ci{} \hkl<1 0 0> DB configuration.
As the \ci{} \hkl<1 0 0> DB constitutes the ground-state configuration of a C atom incorporated into otherwise perfect c-Si it is the most probable and, hence, one of the most important interstitial configurations of C in Si.
The structure was initially suspected by IR local vibrational mode absorption \cite{bean70} and finally verified by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) \cite{watkins76} studies on irradiated Si substrates at low temperatures.
-Fig. \ref{fig:defects:100db_cmp} schematically shows the \ci{} \hkl<1 0 0> DB structure and Table \ref{tab:defects:100db_cmp} lists the details of the atomic displacements, distances and bond angles obtained by classical potential and quantum-mechanical calculations.
-For comparison, the obtained structures for both methods are visualized in Fig. \ref{fig:defects:100db_vis_cmp}.
+Fig.~\ref{fig:defects:100db_cmp} schematically shows the \ci{} \hkl<1 0 0> DB structure and Table \ref{tab:defects:100db_cmp} lists the details of the atomic displacements, distances and bond angles obtained by classical potential and quantum-mechanical calculations.
+For comparison, the obtained structures for both methods are visualized in Fig.~\ref{fig:defects:100db_vis_cmp}.
\begin{figure}[tp]
\begin{center}
\includegraphics[width=12cm]{100-c-si-db_cmp.eps}
\end{center}
\caption[Sketch of the \ci{} \hkl<1 0 0> dumbbell structure.]{Sketch of the \ci{} \hkl<1 0 0> dumbbell structure. Atomic displacements, distances and bond angles are listed in Table \ref{tab:defects:100db_cmp}.}
\label{fig:defects:100db_cmp}
-\end{figure}
+\end{figure}%
\begin{table}[tp]
\begin{center}
Displacements\\
& & & & \multicolumn{3}{c}{Atom 2} & \multicolumn{3}{c}{Atom 3} \\
& $a$ & $b$ & $|a|+|b|$ & $\Delta x$ & $\Delta y$ & $\Delta z$ & $\Delta x$ & $\Delta y$ & $\Delta z$ \\
\hline
-{\textsc posic} & 0.084 & -0.091 & 0.175 & -0.015 & -0.015 & -0.031 & -0.014 & 0.014 & 0.020 \\
-{\textsc vasp} & 0.109 & -0.065 & 0.174 & -0.011 & -0.011 & -0.024 & -0.014 & 0.014 & 0.025 \\
+\textsc{posic} & 0.084 & -0.091 & 0.175 & -0.015 & -0.015 & -0.031 & -0.014 & 0.014 & 0.020 \\
+\textsc{vasp} & 0.109 & -0.065 & 0.174 & -0.011 & -0.011 & -0.024 & -0.014 & 0.014 & 0.025 \\
\hline
\hline
\end{tabular}\\[0.5cm]
\hline
& $r(1C)$ & $r(2C)$ & $r(3C)$ & $r(12)$ & $r(13)$ & $r(34)$ & $r(23)$ & $r(25)$ & $a_{\text{Si}}^{\text{equi}}$\\
\hline
-{\textsc posic} & 0.175 & 0.329 & 0.186 & 0.226 & 0.300 & 0.343 & 0.423 & 0.425 & 0.543 \\
-{\textsc vasp} & 0.174 & 0.341 & 0.182 & 0.229 & 0.286 & 0.347 & 0.422 & 0.417 & 0.548 \\
+\textsc{posic} & 0.175 & 0.329 & 0.186 & 0.226 & 0.300 & 0.343 & 0.423 & 0.425 & 0.543 \\
+\textsc{vasp} & 0.174 & 0.341 & 0.182 & 0.229 & 0.286 & 0.347 & 0.422 & 0.417 & 0.548 \\
\hline
\hline
\end{tabular}\\[0.5cm]
\hline
& $\theta_1$ & $\theta_2$ & $\theta_3$ & $\theta_4$ \\
\hline
-{\textsc posic} & 140.2 & 109.9 & 134.4 & 112.8 \\
-{\textsc vasp} & 130.7 & 114.4 & 146.0 & 107.0 \\
+\textsc{posic} & 140.2 & 109.9 & 134.4 & 112.8 \\
+\textsc{vasp} & 130.7 & 114.4 & 146.0 & 107.0 \\
\hline
\hline
\end{tabular}\\[0.5cm]
\end{center}
-\caption[Atomic displacements, distances and bond angles of the \ci{} \hkl<1 0 0> DB structure obtained by {\textsc posic} and {\textsc vasp} calculations.]{Atomic displacements, distances and bond angles of the \ci{} \hkl<1 0 0> DB structure obtained by {\textsc posic} and {\textsc vasp} calculations. The displacements and distances are given in nm and the angles are given in degrees. Displacements, distances and angles are schematically displayed in Fig. \ref{fig:defects:100db_cmp}. In addition, the equilibrium lattice constant for crystalline Si is listed.}
+\caption[Atomic displacements, distances and bond angles of the \ci{} \hkl<1 0 0> DB structure obtained by \textsc{posic} and {\textsc vasp} calculations.]{Atomic displacements, distances and bond angles of the \ci{} \hkl<1 0 0> DB structure obtained by {\textsc posic} and {\textsc vasp} calculations. The displacements and distances are given in nm and the angles are given in degrees. Displacements, distances and angles are schematically displayed in Fig.~\ref{fig:defects:100db_cmp}. In addition, the equilibrium lattice constant for crystalline Si is listed.}
\label{tab:defects:100db_cmp}
-\end{table}
+\end{table}%
\begin{figure}[tp]
\begin{center}
\begin{minipage}{6cm}
\begin{center}
-\underline{\textsc posic}
+\underline{\textsc{posic}}\\
\includegraphics[width=5cm]{c_pd_albe/100_cmp.eps}
\end{center}
\end{minipage}
\begin{minipage}{6cm}
\begin{center}
-\underline{\textsc vasp}
+\underline{\textsc{vasp}}\\
\includegraphics[width=5cm]{c_pd_vasp/100_cmp.eps}
\end{center}
\end{minipage}
\end{center}
-\caption{Comparison of the \ci{} \hkl<1 0 0> DB structures obtained by {\textsc posic} and {\textsc vasp} calculations.}
+\caption{Comparison of the \ci{} \hkl<1 0 0> DB structures obtained by \textsc{posic} and {\textsc vasp} calculations.}
\label{fig:defects:100db_vis_cmp}
-\end{figure}
+\end{figure}%
\begin{figure}[tp]
\begin{center}
\includegraphics[height=10cm]{c_pd_vasp/eden.eps}
\includegraphics[height=12cm]{c_pd_vasp/100_2333_ksl.ps}
\end{center}
-\caption[Charge density isosurface and Kohn-Sham levels of the \ci{} \hkl<1 0 0> DB structure obtained by {\textsc vasp} calculations.]{Charge density isosurface and Kohn-Sham levels of the \ci{} \hkl<1 0 0> DB structure obtained by {\textsc vasp} calculations. Yellow and gray spheres correspond to Si and C atoms. The blue surface is the charge density isosurface. In the energy level diagram red and green lines and dots mark occupied and unoccupied states.}
+\caption[Charge density isosurface and Kohn-Sham levels of the \ci{} \hkl<1 0 0> DB structure obtained by \textsc{vasp} calculations.]{Charge density isosurface and Kohn-Sham levels of the \ci{} \hkl<1 0 0> DB structure obtained by {\textsc vasp} calculations. Yellow and gray spheres correspond to Si and C atoms. The blue surface is the charge density isosurface. In the energy level diagram red and green lines and dots mark occupied and unoccupied states.}
\label{img:defects:charge_den_and_ksl}
-\end{figure}
-The Si atom labeled '1' and the C atom compose the DB structure.
+\end{figure}%
+The Si atom labeled `1' and the C atom compose the DB structure.
They share the lattice site which is indicated by the dashed red circle.
They are displaced from the regular lattice site by length $a$ and $b$ respectively.
The atoms no longer have four tetrahedral bonds to the Si atoms located on the alternating opposite edges of the cube.
One bond is formed to the other DB atom.
The other two bonds are bonds to the two Si edge atoms located in the opposite direction of the DB atom.
The distance of the two DB atoms is almost the same for both types of calculations.
-However, in the case of the {\textsc vasp} calculation, the DB structure is pushed upwards compared to the results using the EA potential.
-This is easily identified by comparing the values for $a$ and $b$ and the two structures in Fig. \ref{fig:defects:100db_vis_cmp}.
+However, in the case of the \textsc{vasp} calculation, the DB structure is pushed upwards compared to the results using the EA potential.
+This is easily identified by comparing the values for $a$ and $b$ and the two structures in Fig.~\ref{fig:defects:100db_vis_cmp}.
Thus, the angles of bonds of the Si DB atom ($\theta_1$ and $\theta_2$) are closer to $120^{\circ}$ signifying the predominance of $sp^2$ hybridization.
On the other hand, the C atom forms an almost collinear bond ($\theta_3$) with the two Si edge atoms implying the predominance of $sp$ bonding.
-This is supported by the image of the charge density isosurface in Fig. \ref{img:defects:charge_den_and_ksl}.
+This is supported by the image of the charge density isosurface in Fig.~\ref{img:defects:charge_den_and_ksl}.
The two lower Si atoms are $sp^3$ hybridized and form $\sigma$ bonds to the Si DB atom.
The same is true for the upper two Si atoms and the C DB atom.
In addition the DB atoms form $\pi$ bonds.
In the BC interstitial 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 possible 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.
+However, this fact could not be reproduced by spin polarized \textsc{vasp} calculations performed in this work.
Present results suggest this configuration to correspond to a real local minimum.
In fact, an additional barrier has to be passed to reach this configuration starting from the \ci{} \hkl<1 0 0> interstitial configuration, which is investigated in section \ref{subsection:100mig}.
After slightly displacing the C atom along the \hkl[1 0 0] (equivalent to a displacement along \hkl[0 1 0]), \hkl[0 0 1], \hkl[0 0 -1] and \hkl[1 -1 0] direction the distorted structures relax back into the BC configuration.
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.
+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}.
+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.
\caption{Conceivable migration pathways among two \ci{} \hkl<1 0 0> DB configurations.}
\label{img:defects:c_mig_path}
\end{figure}
-Three different migration paths are accounted in this work, which are displayed in Fig. \ref{img:defects:c_mig_path}.
+Three different migration paths are accounted in this work, which are displayed in Fig.~\ref{img:defects:c_mig_path}.
The first migration investigated is a transition of a \hkl<0 0 -1> into a \hkl<0 0 1> DB interstitial configuration.
During this migration the C atom is changing its Si DB partner.
The new partner is the one located at $a_{\text{Si}}/4 \hkl<1 1 -1>$ relative to the initial one, where $a_{\text{Si}}$ is the Si lattice constant.
\caption[Migration barrier and structures of the {\hkl[0 0 -1]} DB to BC 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}
\end{figure}
-In Fig. \ref{fig:defects:00-1_001_mig} results of the \hkl<0 0 -1> to \hkl<0 0 1> migration fully described by the migration of the \hkl<0 0 -1> to the BC configuration is displayed.
+In Fig.~\ref{fig:defects:00-1_001_mig} results of the \hkl<0 0 -1> to \hkl<0 0 1> migration fully described by the migration of the \hkl<0 0 -1> to the BC configuration is displayed.
To reach the BC configuration, which is \unit[0.94]{eV} higher in energy than the \hkl<0 0 -1> DB configuration, an energy barrier of approximately \unit[1.2]{eV} given by the saddle point structure at a displacement of \unit[60]{\%} has to be passed.
This amount of energy is needed to break the bond of the C atom to the Si atom at the bottom left.
In a second process \unit[0.25]{eV} of energy are needed for the system to revert into a \hkl<1 0 0> configuration.
\caption[Migration barrier and structures of the {\hkl[0 0 -1]} DB to the {\hkl[0 -1 0]} DB 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.}
\label{fig:defects:00-1_0-10_mig}
\end{figure}
-Fig. \ref{fig:defects:00-1_0-10_mig} shows the migration barrier and structures of the \ci{} \hkl<0 0 -1> to \hkl<0 -1 0> DB transition.
+Fig.~\ref{fig:defects:00-1_0-10_mig} shows the migration barrier and structures of the \ci{} \hkl<0 0 -1> to \hkl<0 -1 0> DB transition.
The resulting migration barrier of approximately \unit[0.9]{eV} is very close to the experimentally obtained values of \unit[0.70]{eV} \cite{lindner06}, \unit[0.73]{eV} \cite{song90} and \unit[0.87]{eV} \cite{tipping87}.
\begin{figure}[tp]
\caption[Reorientation barrier and structures of the {\hkl[0 0 -1]} DB to the {\hkl[0 -1 0]} DB 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}
\end{figure}
-The third migration path, in which the DB is changing its orientation, is shown in Fig. \ref{fig:defects:00-1_0-10_ip_mig}.
+The third migration path, in which the DB is changing its orientation, is shown in Fig.~\ref{fig:defects:00-1_0-10_ip_mig}.
An energy barrier of roughly \unit[1.2]{eV} is observed.
Experimentally measured activation energies for reorientation range from \unit[0.77]{eV} to \unit[0.88]{eV} \cite{watkins76,song90}.
Thus, this pathway is more likely to be composed of two consecutive steps of the second path.
Further migration pathways, in particular those occupying other defect configurations than the \hkl<1 0 0>-type either as a transition state or a final or starting configuration, are totally conceivable.
This is investigated in the following in order to find possible migration pathways that have an activation energy lower than the ones found up to now.
The next energetically favorable defect configuration is the \hkl<1 1 0> C-Si DB interstitial.
-Fig. \ref{fig:defects:110_mig_vasp} shows the migration barrier of the \hkl<1 1 0> C-Si DB to the BC, \hkl<0 0 -1> and \hkl<0 -1 0> (in place) transition.
+Fig.~\ref{fig:defects:110_mig_vasp} shows the migration barrier of the \hkl<1 1 0> C-Si DB to the BC, \hkl<0 0 -1> and \hkl<0 -1 0> (in place) transition.
Indeed less than \unit[0.7]{eV} are necessary to turn a \hkl<0 -1 0>- to a \hkl<1 1 0>-type C-Si DB interstitial.
-This transition is carried out in place, i.e. the Si DB pair is not changed and both, the Si and C atom share the initial lattice site.
+This transition is carried out in place, i.e.\ the Si DB pair is not changed and both, the Si and C atom share the initial lattice site.
Thus, this transition does not contribute to long-range diffusion.
-Once the C atom resides in the \hkl<1 1 0> DB interstitial configuration it can migrate into the BC configuration requiring approximately \unit[0.95]{eV} of activation energy, which is only slightly higher than the activation energy needed for the \hkl<0 0 -1> to \hkl<0 -1 0> pathway as shown in Fig. \ref{fig:defects:00-1_0-10_mig}.
-As already known from the migration of the \hkl<0 0 -1> to the BC configuration discussed in Fig. \ref{fig:defects:00-1_001_mig}, another \unit[0.25]{eV} are needed to turn back from the BC to a \hkl<1 0 0>-type interstitial.
+Once the C atom resides in the \hkl<1 1 0> DB interstitial configuration it can migrate into the BC configuration requiring approximately \unit[0.95]{eV} of activation energy, which is only slightly higher than the activation energy needed for the \hkl<0 0 -1> to \hkl<0 -1 0> pathway as shown in Fig.~\ref{fig:defects:00-1_0-10_mig}.
+As already known from the migration of the \hkl<0 0 -1> to the BC configuration discussed in Fig.~\ref{fig:defects:00-1_001_mig}, another \unit[0.25]{eV} are needed to turn back from the BC to a \hkl<1 0 0>-type interstitial.
However, due to the fact that this migration consists of three single transitions with the second one having an activation energy slightly higher than observed for the direct transition, this sequence of paths is considered very unlikely to occur.
The migration barrier of the \hkl<1 1 0> to \hkl<0 0 -1> transition, in which the C atom is changing its Si partner and, thus, moving to the neighbored lattice site, corresponds to approximately \unit[1.35]{eV}.
During this transition the C atom is escaping the \hkl(1 1 0) plane approaching the final configuration on a curved path.
This barrier is much higher than the ones found previously, which again make this transition very unlikely to occur.
-For this reason, the assumption that C diffusion and reorientation is achieved by transitions of the type presented in Fig. \ref{fig:defects:00-1_0-10_mig} is reinforced.
+For this reason, the assumption that C diffusion and reorientation is achieved by transitions of the type presented in Fig.~\ref{fig:defects:00-1_0-10_mig} is reinforced.
%As mentioned earlier the procedure to obtain the migration barriers differs from the usually applied procedure in two ways.
%Firstly constraints to move along the displacement direction are applied on all atoms instead of solely constraining the diffusing atom.
% 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
\end{figure}
-Fig. \ref{fig:defects:cp_bc_00-1_mig} shows the evolution of structure and energy along the \ci{} BC to \hkl[0 0 -1] DB transition.
+Fig.~\ref{fig:defects:cp_bc_00-1_mig} shows the evolution of structure and energy along the \ci{} BC to \hkl[0 0 -1] DB transition.
Since the \ci{} BC configuration is unstable relaxing into the \hkl[1 1 0] DB configuration within this potential, the low kinetic energy state is used as a starting configuration.
Two different pathways are obtained for different time constants of the Berendsen thermostat.
With a time constant of \unit[1]{fs} the C atom resides in the \hkl(1 1 0) plane
However, the investigated pathways cover an activation energy approximately twice as high as the one obtained by quantum-mechanical calculations.
If the entire transition of the \hkl[0 0 -1] into the \hkl[0 0 1] configuration is considered a two step process passing the intermediate BC configuration, an additional activation energy of \unit[0.5]{eV} is necessary to escape the BC towards the \hkl[0 0 1] configuration.
Assuming equal preexponential factors for both diffusion steps, the total probability of diffusion is given by $\exp\left((2.2\,\text{eV}+0.5\,\text{eV})/k_{\text{B}}T\right)$.
-Thus, the activation energy should be located within the range of \unit[2.2-2.7]{eV}.
+Thus, the activation energy should be located within the range of \unit[2.2--2.7]{eV}.
\begin{figure}[tp]
\begin{center}
Activation energies of roughly \unit[2.8]{eV} and \unit[2.7]{eV} are needed for migration.
The \ci{} \hkl[1 1 0] configuration seems to play a decisive role in all migration pathways in the classical potential calculations.
-As mentioned above, the starting configuration of the first migration path, i.e. the BC configuration, is fixed to be a transition point but in fact is unstable.
+As mentioned above, the starting configuration of the first migration path, i.e.\ the BC configuration, is fixed to be a transition point but in fact is unstable.
Further relaxation of the BC configuration results in the \ci{} \hkl[1 1 0] configuration.
Even the last two pathways show configurations almost identical to the \ci{} \hkl[1 1 0] configuration, which constitute local minima within the pathways.
Thus, migration pathways involving the \ci{} \hkl[1 1 0] DB configuration as a starting or final configuration are further investigated.
\caption[{Migration barriers of the \ci{} \hkl[1 1 0] DB to BC, \hkl[0 0 -1] and \hkl[0 -1 0] (in place) transition.}]{Migration barriers of the \ci{} \hkl[1 1 0] DB to BC (blue), \hkl[0 0 -1] (green) and \hkl[0 -1 0] (in place, red) transition. Solid lines show results for a time constant of \unit[1]{fs} and dashed lines correspond to simulations employing a time constant of \unit[100]{fs}.}
\label{fig:defects:110_mig}
\end{figure}
-Fig. \ref{fig:defects:110_mig} shows migration barriers of the \ci{} \hkl[1 1 0] DB to \hkl[0 0 -1], \hkl[0 -1 0] (in place) and BC configuration.
+Fig.~\ref{fig:defects:110_mig} shows migration barriers of the \ci{} \hkl[1 1 0] DB to \hkl[0 0 -1], \hkl[0 -1 0] (in place) and BC configuration.
As expected there is no maximum for the transition into the BC configuration.
As mentioned earlier, the BC configuration itself constitutes a saddle point configuration relaxing into the energetically more favorable \hkl[1 1 0] DB configuration.
An activation energy of \unit[2.2]{eV} is necessary to reorientate the \hkl[0 0 -1] into the \hkl[1 1 0] DB configuration, which is \unit[1.3]{eV} higher in energy.
In contrast to quantum-mechanical calculations, in which the direct transition is the energetically most favorable transition and the transition composed of the intermediate migration steps is very unlikely to occur, the just presented pathway is much more conceivable in classical potential simulations, since the energetically most favorable transition found so far is likewise composed of two migration steps with activation energies of \unit[2.2]{eV} and \unit[0.5]{eV}, for which the intermediate state is the BC configuration, which is unstable.
Thus the just proposed migration path, which involves the \hkl[1 1 0] interstitial configuration, becomes even more probable than the initially proposed path, which involves the BC configuration that is, in fact, unstable.
Due to these findings, the respective path is proposed to constitute the diffusion-describing path.
-The evolution of structure and configurational energy is displayed again in Fig. \ref{fig:defects:involve110}.
+The evolution of structure and configurational energy is displayed again in Fig.~\ref{fig:defects:involve110}.
\begin{figure}[tp]
\begin{center}
\includegraphics[width=0.7\textwidth]{00-1_110_0-10_mig_albe.ps}
\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.
Another barrier of \unit[0.90]{eV} exists for the rotation into the \ci{} \hkl[0 -1 0] DB configuration for the path obtained with a time constant of \unit[100]{fs} for the Berendsen thermostat.
-Roughly the same amount would be necessary to excite the C$_{\text{i}}$ \hkl[1 1 0] DB to the BC configuration (\unit[0.40]{eV}) and a successive migration into the \hkl[0 0 1] DB configuration (\unit[0.50]{eV}) as displayed in Fig. \ref{fig:defects:110_mig} and Fig. \ref{fig:defects:cp_bc_00-1_mig}.
+Roughly the same amount would be necessary to excite the C$_{\text{i}}$ \hkl[1 1 0] DB to the BC configuration (\unit[0.40]{eV}) and a successive migration into the \hkl[0 0 1] DB configuration (\unit[0.50]{eV}) as displayed in Fig.~\ref{fig:defects:110_mig} and Fig.~\ref{fig:defects:cp_bc_00-1_mig}.
The former diffusion process, however, would more nicely agree with the {\em ab initio} path, since the migration is accompanied by a rotation of the DB orientation.
By considering a two step process and assuming equal preexponential factors for both diffusion steps, the probability of the total diffusion event is given by $\exp(\frac{\unit[2.24]{eV}+\unit[0.90]{eV}}{k_{\text{B}}T})$, which corresponds to a single diffusion barrier that is 3.5 times higher than the barrier obtained by {\em ab initio} calculations.
\caption[Position of the initial \ci{} {\hkl[0 0 -1]} DB and of the lattice site chosen for the initial \si{} \hkl<1 1 0> DB.]{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.
+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.
There is still a low interaction remaining, which is due to the equal orientation of the defects.
By changing the orientation of the second DB interstitial to the \hkl<0 -1 0>-type, the interaction is even more reduced resulting in an energy of \unit[-0.05]{eV} for a distance, which is the maximum that can be realized due to periodic boundary conditions.
Energetically favorable and unfavorable configurations can be explained by stress compensation and increase respectively based on the resulting net strain of the respective configuration of the defect combination.
-Antiparallel orientations of the second defect, i.e. \hkl[0 0 1] for positions located below the \hkl(0 0 1) plane with respect to the initial one (positions 1, 2 and 4) form the energetically most unfavorable configurations.
+Antiparallel orientations of the second defect, i.e.\ \hkl[0 0 1] for positions located below the \hkl(0 0 1) plane with respect to the initial one (positions 1, 2 and 4) form the energetically most unfavorable configurations.
In contrast, the parallel and particularly the twisted orientations constitute energetically favorable configurations, in which a vast reduction of strain is enabled by combination of these defects.
\begin{figure}[tp]
The two \ci{} atoms form a strong C-C bond, which is responsible for the large gain in energy resulting in a binding energy of \unit[-2.39]{eV}.
This bond has a length of \unit[1.38]{\AA} close to the next neighbor distance in diamond or graphite, which is approximately \unit[1.54]{\AA}.
The minimum of the binding energy observed for this configuration suggests preferred C clustering as a competing mechanism to the \ci{} DB interstitial agglomeration inevitable for the SiC precipitation.
-However, the second most favorable configuration ($E_{\text{f}}=-2.25\,\text{eV}$) is represented four times, i.e. two times more often than the ground-state configuration, within the systematically investigated configuration space.
+However, the second most favorable configuration ($E_{\text{f}}=-2.25\,\text{eV}$) is represented four times, i.e.\ two times more often than the ground-state configuration, within the systematically investigated configuration space.
Thus, particularly at high temperatures that cause an increase of the entropic contribution, this structure constitutes a serious opponent to the ground state.
In fact, following results on migration simulations will reinforce the assumption of a low probability for C clustering by thermally activated processes.
\label{fig:defects:comb_db_02}
\end{figure}
Fig.~\ref{fig:defects:comb_db_02} shows the next three energetically favorable configurations.
-The relaxed configuration obtained by creating a \hkl[1 0 0] DB at position 2 is shown in Fig. \ref{fig:defects:216}.
+The relaxed configuration obtained by creating a \hkl[1 0 0] DB at position 2 is shown in Fig.~\ref{fig:defects:216}.
A binding energy of \unit[-2.16]{eV} is observed.
After relaxation, the second DB is aligned along \hkl[1 1 0].
The bond of Si atoms 1 and 2 does not persist.
However, Si atom number 1 and number 3, which are bound to the second \ci{} atom are also bound to the initial C atom.
These four atoms of the rhomboid reside in a plane and, thus, do not match the situation in SiC.
The C atoms have a distance of \unit[2.75]{\AA}.
-In Fig. \ref{fig:defects:190} the relaxed structure of a \hkl[0 1 0] DB constructed at position 2 is displayed.
+In Fig.~\ref{fig:defects:190} the relaxed structure of a \hkl[0 1 0] DB constructed at position 2 is displayed.
An energy of \unit[-1.90]{eV} is observed.
The initial DB and especially the C atom is pushed towards the Si atom of the second DB forming an additional fourth bond.
Si atom number 1 is pulled towards the C atoms of the DBs accompanied by the disappearance of its bond to Si number 5 as well as the bond of Si number 5 to its neighbored Si atom in \hkl[1 1 -1] direction.
The C atom of the second DB forms threefold coordinated bonds to its Si neighbors.
A distance of \unit[2.80]{\AA} is observed for the two C atoms.
Again, the two C atoms and its two interconnecting Si atoms form a rhomboid.
-C-C distances of \unit[2.70-2.80]{\AA} seem to be characteristic for such configurations, in which the C atoms and the two interconnecting Si atoms reside in a plane.
+C-C distances of \unit[2.70--2.80]{\AA} seem to be characteristic for such configurations, in which the C atoms and the two interconnecting Si atoms reside in a plane.
Configurations obtained by adding a \ci{} \hkl<1 0 0> DB at position 4 are characterized by minimal changes from their initial creation condition during relaxation.
There is a low interaction of the DBs, which seem to exist independent of each other.
The energetically most unfavorable configuration ($E_{\text{b}}=0.26\,\text{eV}$) is obtained for the \ci{} \hkl[0 0 1] DB, which is oppositely orientated with respect to the initial one.
A DB taking the same orientation as the initial one is less unfavorable ($E_{\text{b}}=0.04\,\text{eV}$).
Both configurations are unfavorable compared to far-off, isolated DBs.
-Nonparallel orientations, i.e. the \hkl[0 1 0], \hkl[0 -1 0] and its equivalents, result in binding energies of \unit[-0.12]{eV} and \unit[-0.27]{eV}, thus, constituting energetically favorable configurations.
+Nonparallel orientations, i.e.\ the \hkl[0 1 0], \hkl[0 -1 0] and its equivalents, result in binding energies of \unit[-0.12]{eV} and \unit[-0.27]{eV}, thus, constituting energetically favorable configurations.
The reduction of strain energy is higher in the second case, where the C atom of the second DB is placed in the direction pointing away from the initial C atom.
\begin{figure}[tp]
\label{fig:defects:comb_db_03}
\end{figure}
Energetically beneficial configurations of defect combinations are observed for interstitials of all orientations placed at position 5, a position two bonds away from the initial interstitial along the \hkl[1 1 0] direction.
-Relaxed structures of these combinations are displayed in Fig. \ref{fig:defects:comb_db_03}.
-Fig. \ref{fig:defects:153} and \ref{fig:defects:166} show the relaxed structures of \hkl[0 0 1] and \hkl[0 0 -1] DBs.
+Relaxed structures of these combinations are displayed in Fig.~\ref{fig:defects:comb_db_03}.
+Fig.~\ref{fig:defects:153} and \ref{fig:defects:166} show the relaxed structures of \hkl[0 0 1] and \hkl[0 0 -1] DBs.
The upper DB atoms are pushed towards each other forming fourfold coordinated bonds.
While the displacements of the Si atoms in case (b) are symmetric to the \hkl(1 1 0) plane, in case (a) the Si atom of the initial DB is pushed a little further in the direction of the C atom of the second DB than the C atom is pushed towards the Si atom.
The bottom atoms of the DBs remain in threefold coordination.
The symmetric configuration is energetically more favorable ($E_{\text{b}}=-1.66\,\text{eV}$) since the displacements of the atoms is less than in the antiparallel case ($E_{\text{b}}=-1.53\,\text{eV}$).
-In Fig. \ref{fig:defects:188} and \ref{fig:defects:138} the non-parallel orientations, namely the \hkl[0 -1 0] and \hkl[1 0 0] DBs, are shown.
+In Fig.~\ref{fig:defects:188} and \ref{fig:defects:138} the non-parallel orientations, namely the \hkl[0 -1 0] and \hkl[1 0 0] DBs, are shown.
Binding energies of \unit[-1.88]{eV} and \unit[-1.38]{eV} are obtained for the relaxed structures.
In both cases the Si atom of the initial interstitial is pulled towards the near by atom of the second DB.
Both atoms form fourfold coordinated bonds to their neighbors.
\label{fig:defects:comb_db110}
\end{figure}
The binding energy of these configurations with respect to the C-C distance is plotted in Fig.~\ref{fig:defects:comb_db110}.
-The interaction is found to be proportional to the reciprocal cube of the C-C distance for extended separations of the \ci{} DBs and saturates for the smallest possible separation, i.e. the ground-state configuration.
+The interaction is found to be proportional to the reciprocal cube of the C-C distance for extended separations of the \ci{} DBs and saturates for the smallest possible separation, i.e.\ the ground-state configuration.
The ground-state configuration was ignored in the fitting process.
Not considering the previously mentioned elevated barriers for migration, an attractive interaction between the \ci{} \hkl<1 0 0> DB defects indeed is detected with a capture radius that clearly exceeds \unit[1]{nm}.
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.
\label{fig:093-095}
\end{figure}
Configuration A consists of a C$_{\text{i}}$ \hkl[0 0 -1] DB with threefold coordinated Si and C DB atoms slightly disturbed by the C$_{\text{s}}$ at position 3, facing the Si DB atom as a neighbor.
-By a single bond switch, i.e. the breaking of a Si-Si in favor of a Si-C bond, configuration B is obtained, which shows a twofold coordinated Si atom located in between two substitutional C atoms residing on regular Si lattice sites.
+By a single bond switch, i.e.\ the breaking of a Si-Si in favor of a Si-C bond, configuration B is obtained, which shows a twofold coordinated Si atom located in between two substitutional C atoms residing on regular Si lattice sites.
This configuration has been identified and described by spectroscopic experimental techniques \cite{song90_2} as well as theoretical studies \cite{leary97,capaz98}.
Configuration B is found to constitute the energetically slightly more favorable configuration.
However, the gain in energy due to the significantly lower energy of a Si-C compared to a Si-Si bond turns out to be smaller than expected due to a large compensation by introduced strain as a result of the Si interstitial structure.
\end{figure}
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.
+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.
The two C atoms form a \hkl[1 0 0] DB sharing the initial C$_{\text{s}}$ lattice site while the initial Si DB atom occupies its previously regular lattice site.
The transition is accompanied by a large gain in energy as can be seen in Fig.~\ref{fig:026-128}, making it the ground-state configuration of a C$_{\text{s}}$ and C$_{\text{i}}$ DB in Si yet \unit[0.33]{eV} lower in energy than configuration B.
This finding is in good agreement with a combined {\em ab initio} and experimental study of Liu et~al.~\cite{liu02}, who first proposed this structure as the ground state identifying an energy difference compared to configuration B of \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 $\alpha$ 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}.
+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.
+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.
%
% a b transition
A low activation energy of \unit[0.1]{eV} is observed for the a$\rightarrow$b transition.
Thus, configuration a is very unlikely to occur in favor of configuration b.
% repulsive along 110
-A repulsive interaction is observed for C$_{\text{s}}$ at lattice sites along \hkl[1 1 0], i.e. positions 1 (configuration a) and 5.
+A repulsive interaction is observed for C$_{\text{s}}$ at lattice sites along \hkl[1 1 0], i.e.\ positions 1 (configuration a) and 5.
This is due to tensile strain originating from both, the C$_{\text{i}}$ DB and the C$_{\text{s}}$ atom residing within the \hkl[1 1 0] bond chain.
This finding agrees well with results by Mattoni et~al.~\cite{mattoni2002}.
% all other investigated results: attractive interaction. stress compensation.
This structure is followed by C$_{\text{s}}$ located at position 2, the lattice site of one of the neighbor atoms below the two Si atoms that are bound to the C$_{\text{i}}$ DB atom.
As mentioned earlier, these two lower Si atoms indeed experience tensile strain along the \hkl[1 1 0] bond chain, however, additional compressive strain along \hkl[0 0 1] exists.
The latter is partially compensated by the C$_{\text{s}}$ atom.
-Yet less of compensation is realized if C$_{\text{s}}$ is located at position 4 due to a larger separation although both bottom Si atoms of the DB structure are indirectly affected, i.e. each of them is connected by another Si atom to the C atom enabling the reduction of strain along \hkl[0 0 1].
+Yet less of compensation is realized if C$_{\text{s}}$ is located at position 4 due to a larger separation although both bottom Si atoms of the DB structure are indirectly affected, i.e.\ each of them is connected by another Si atom to the C atom enabling the reduction of strain along \hkl[0 0 1].
\begin{figure}[tp]
\begin{center}
\subfigure[\underline{$E_{\text{b}}=-0.51\,\text{eV}$}]{\label{fig:defects:051}\includegraphics[width=0.25\textwidth]{00-1dc/0-51.eps}}
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 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}.
+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 $\beta$.
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.
-The migration pathways of configuration \ref{fig:defects:314} and \ref{fig:defects:059} into the ground-state configuration, i.e. the \cs{} configuration, are shown in Fig.~\ref{fig:314-539} and \ref{fig:059-539} respectively.
+The migration pathways of configuration \ref{fig:defects:314} and \ref{fig:defects:059} into the ground-state configuration, i.e.\ the \cs{} configuration, are shown in Fig.~\ref{fig:314-539} and \ref{fig:059-539} respectively.
\begin{figure}[tp]
\begin{center}
\includegraphics[width=0.7\textwidth]{314-539.ps}
\end{figure}
An activation energy as low as \unit[0.12]{eV} is necessary for the migration into the ground-state configuration.
Accordingly, the C$_{\text{i}}$ \hkl<1 0 0> DB configuration is assumed to occur more likely.
-However, only \unit[0.77]{eV} are needed for the reverse process, i.e. the formation of C$_{\text{s}}$ and a Si$_{\text{i}}$ DB out of the ground state.
+However, only \unit[0.77]{eV} are needed for the reverse process, i.e.\ the formation of C$_{\text{s}}$ and a Si$_{\text{i}}$ DB out of the ground state.
Due to the low activation energy this process must be considered to be activated without much effort either thermally or by introduced energy of the implantation process.
\begin{figure}[tp]
\end{figure}
Fig.~\ref{fig:dc_si-s} shows the binding energies of pairs of C$_{\text{s}}$ and a Si$_{\text{i}}$ \hkl<1 1 0> DB with respect to the separation distance.
The interaction of the defects is well approximated by a Lennard-Jones (LJ) 6-12 potential, which is used for curve fitting.
-Unable to model possible positive values of the binding energy, i.e. unfavorable configurations, located to the right of the minimum, the LJ fit should rather be thought of as a guide for the eye describing the decrease of the interaction strength, i.e. the absolute value of the binding energy, with increasing separation distance.
+Unable to model possible positive values of the binding energy, i.e.\ unfavorable configurations, located to the right of the minimum, the LJ fit should rather be thought of as a guide for the eye describing the decrease of the interaction strength, i.e.\ the absolute value of the binding energy, with increasing separation distance.
The binding energy quickly drops to zero.
The LJ fit estimates almost zero interaction already at \unit[0.6]{nm}.
indicating a low interaction capture radius of the defect pair.
-%As can be seen, the interaction strength, i.e. the absolute value of the binding energy, quickly drops to zero with increasing separation distance.
+%As can be seen, the interaction strength, i.e.\ the absolute value of the binding energy, quickly drops to zero with increasing separation distance.
%Almost zero interaction may be assumed already at distances about \unit[0.5-0.6]{nm}, indicating a low interaction capture radius of the defect pair.
In IBS, highly energetic collisions are assumed to easily produce configurations of defects exhibiting separation distances exceeding the capture radius.
For this reason C$_{\text{s}}$ without a Si$_{\text{i}}$ DB located within the immediate proximity, which is, thus, unable to form the thermodynamically stable C$_{\text{i}}$ \hkl<1 0 0> DB, constitutes a most likely configuration to be found in IBS.
\hline
& C$_{\text{i}}$ \hkl<1 0 0> & C$_{\text{s}}$ \& Si$_{\text{i}}$ \hkl<1 1 0> & C$_{\text{s}}$ \& Si$_{\text{i}}$ T\\
\hline
- {\textsc vasp} & 3.72 & 4.37 & 4.17$^{\text{a}}$/4.99$^{\text{b}}$/4.96$^{\text{c}}$ \\
- {\textsc posic} & 3.88 & 4.93 & 5.25$^{\text{a}}$/5.08$^{\text{b}}$/4.43$^{\text{c}}$\\
+ \textsc{vasp} & 3.72 & 4.37 & 4.17$^{\text{a}}$/4.99$^{\text{b}}$/4.96$^{\text{c}}$ \\
+ \textsc{posic} & 3.88 & 4.93 & 5.25$^{\text{a}}$/5.08$^{\text{b}}$/4.43$^{\text{c}}$\\
\hline
\hline
\end{tabular}
However, this configuration is unstable involving a structural transition into the C$_{\text{i}}$ \hkl<1 1 0> DB interstitial, thus, not maintaining the tetrahedral Si nor the \cs{} defect.
Thus, the underestimated energy of formation of C$_{\text{s}}$ within the EA calculation does not pose a serious limitation in the present context.
-Since C is introduced into a perfect Si crystal and the number of particles is conserved in simulation, the creation of C$_{\text{s}}$ is accompanied by the creation of Si$_{\text{i}}$, which is energetically less favorable than the ground state, i.e. the C$_{\text{i}}$ \hkl<1 0 0> DB configuration, for both, the EA and {\em ab initio} treatment.
+Since C is introduced into a perfect Si crystal and the number of particles is conserved in simulation, the creation of C$_{\text{s}}$ is accompanied by the creation of Si$_{\text{i}}$, which is energetically less favorable than the ground state, i.e.\ the C$_{\text{i}}$ \hkl<1 0 0> DB configuration, for both, the EA and {\em ab initio} treatment.
In either case, no configuration more favorable than the C$_{\text{i}}$ \hkl<1 0 0> DB has been found.
Thus, a proper description with respect to the relative energies of formation is assumed for the EA potential.
\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
+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
However, it turns out that the BC configuration is not a saddle point configuration as proposed by Capaz et~al.~\cite{capaz94} but constitutes a real local minimum if the electron spin is properly accounted for.
A net magnetization of two electrons, which is already clear by simple molecular orbital theory considerations on the bonding of the $sp$ hybridized C atom, is settled.
By investigating the charge density isosurface it turns out that the two resulting spin up electrons are localized in a torus around the C atom.
-With an activation energy of \unit[0.9]{eV} the C$_{\text{i}}$ carbon interstitial can be expected to be highly mobile at prevailing temperatures in the process under investigation, i.e. IBS.
+With an activation energy of \unit[0.9]{eV} the C$_{\text{i}}$ carbon interstitial can be expected to be highly mobile at prevailing temperatures in the process under investigation, i.e.\ IBS.
Since the \ci{} \hkl<1 0 0> DB is the ground-state configuration and highly mobile, possible migration of these DBs to form defect agglomerates, as demanded by the model introduced in section \ref{section:assumed_prec}, is considered possible.
Unfortunately the description of the same processes fails if classical potential methods are used.
These findings allow to draw conclusions on the mechanisms involved in the process of SiC conversion in Si.
% which is elaborated in more detail within the comprehensive description in chapter~\ref{chapter:summary}.
Agglomeration of C$_{\text{i}}$ is energetically favored and enabled by a low activation energy for migration.
-Although ion implantation is a process far from thermodynamic equilibrium, which might result in phases not described by the Si/C phase diagram, i.e. a C phase in Si, high activation energies are believed to be responsible for a low probability of the formation of C-C clusters.
+Although ion implantation is a process far from thermodynamic equilibrium, which might result in phases not described by the Si/C phase diagram, i.e.\ a C phase in Si, high activation energies are believed to be responsible for a low probability of the formation of C-C clusters.
In the context of the initially stated controversy present in the precipitation model, these findings suggest an increased participation of C$_{\text{s}}$ already in the initial stage due to its high probability of incidence.
In addition, thermally activated, C$_{\text{i}}$ might turn into C$_{\text{s}}$.
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