The LDA-1/2 technique: Recent developments

This paper is a review of the LDA(GGA)-1/2 method for band calculation. We review the many applications of the method: band gaps, semiconductor interfaces, semiconductor alloys. The number of applications where the method fails is minimal. Leading to results with a precision comparable to Hedin’s GW method, LDA-1/2 has the advantage of being orders of magnitude faster. The paper begins by a short theoretical review in which we try not repeat what is already published. Then we present some results that are scattered in the literature. We find that LDA(GGA)-1/2 is the recommended method for excited state energy calculations.