The structural, elastic, electronic and dynamical properties of chalcopyrite semiconductor BeGeAs from first-principles calculations

First-principles calculations for the structural, elastic, electronic and vibrational properties of BeGeAs with chalcopyrite structure have been reported in the frame work of the density functional theory. The calculated ground state properties are in good agreement with the available data. By considering the electronic band structure and electronic density of states calculation, it is found that this compound is a semiconductor which confirmed the previous work. Single-crystal elastic constants and related properties such as Young’s modulus, Poisson ratio, shear modulus and bulk modulus have been predicted using the stress–finite strain technique. It can be seen from the calculated elastic constants that this compound is mechanically stable in the chalcopyrite structure. Pressure dependences of elastic constants and band gap are also reported. Finally, the phonon dispersion curves and total and partial density of states were calculated and discussed. The calculated phonon frequencies BeGeAs are positive, indicating the dynamical stability of the studied compound.