Comparative first-principles calculations of the electronic, optical, elastic and thermodynamic properties of XCaF₃ (X = K, Rb, Cs) cubic perovskites

Three fluoroperovskites with the general formula XCaF₃ (X = K, Rb, Cs) have been systematically studied using the first-principles methods. The structural, electronic, optical, elastic and thermodynamic properties of these three compounds were calculated at the ambient and elevated hydrostatic pressure. Variation of all these properties with pressure was analyzed; it was shown that the structural and elastic constants change linearly with increased pressure, whereas the calculated band gaps follow the quadratic dependence on pressure. Influence of the first cation variation (K – Rb – Cs) on these properties was discussed. Elastic anisotropy (directional dependence of the Young moduli) of these compounds was modeled and analyzed for the first time. - Highlights: • Three cubic perovskites XCaF₃ (X = K, Rb, Cs) were studied by ab initio methods. • Systematic variation of physical properties with the first cation change was traced. • Pressure effects on physical properties were calculated and modeled. • Debye temperature and Grüneisen constant for all materials were calculated for the first time. • Elastic anisotropy was visualized by plotting Young moduli directional dependences.