First-principles database for fitting a machine-learning silicon interatomic force field

Abstract: Data-driven machine learning has emerged to address the limitations of traditional methods when modeling interatomic interactions in materials, such as electronic density functional theory (DFT) and semi-empirical potentials. These machine-learning frameworks involve mathematical models coupled to quantum mechanical data. In the present article, we focus on the moment tensor potential (MTP) machine-learning framework. More specifically, we provide an account of the development of a preliminary MTP for silicon, including details pertaining to the construction of a DFT database. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]