This page explains how to run a zero point energy calculation [1] based on density functional theory [2]. We will calculate zero point energy for silicon in face-centered cubic structure. We will be studying Silicon in the standard diamond-like face-centered cubic structure and will use VASP [3] as our simulation engine.

# Background¶

The zero point energy is a quantum mechanical property that is related to the uncertainty of the electronic position and momentum at 0K. It is sometimes referred to as a vibration due to the uncertainty principle. It is critical that a well-relaxed structure with converged k-point density is used for zero point energy calculations.

# Create job¶

Click "Create a Job" in left-hand sidebar on the home page. FCC Si will automatically be loaded as it is the default material.

# Choose workflow¶

Next go to the workflow tab and select "Zero Point Energy" as the workflow type. As mentioned before, k-point convergence, and structural relaxation are or critical importance for this property, so we add them by expanding the "Advanced" section and adding them both to the workflow. Each individual workflow from within "Advanced Options" is described in detail in their own tutorials. See kpt-convergence and relaxation.

# Examine input file¶

The unique unit for this tutorial is the vasp_zpe unit. Clicking on it will show the corresponding input files. IBRION = 5 flag within INCAR enables VASP to run the displacements for the zero point energy calculation.

# Monitor status¶

As each unit in the workflow is executed, you can monitor progress live by viewing both the output of the executable as well as a graphical representation of the total energy convergence on the "Status" tab under each execution unit's sub-tab. The animation below shows zero point calculation output for various atom displacements.

# Check results¶

When the execution finished, switching to the "Results" tab will have a card titled "Zero Point Energy" that displays the value of zero point energy for the material in question. The larger its value - the more critical it is to include zero point energy in thermodynamic calculations.