First-principles investigations of the physical properties of RCd (R=Ce, La, Pr, Nd)

The crystal structural, electronic, elastic and the thermodynamic properties of RCd are investigated by using the first-principles plane-wave pseudopotential density function theory within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA). The calculated equilibrium lattice parameters for RCd are in good agreement with the available experimental data. Furthermore, the optical properties, namely the dielectric function, refractive index and electron energy loss are reported for radiation up to 30 eV. Finally, the elastic properties, the bulk modulus and the Debye temperature of RCd are given for reference. (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier B.V.