Heuristic computation of the rovibrational G matrix in optimized molecule-fixed axes. Gmat 2.1

a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t Gmat 2.1 is a program able to compute the rovibrational G matrix in different molecule-fixed axes extending the capabilities of Gmat 1.0. The present version is able to select optimal molecule-fixed axes minimizing the pure rotational kinetic elements, the rovibrational kinetic elements or both simultaneously. To such an end, it uses a hybrid minimization approach. Thus, it combines a global search heuristic based in simulated annealing with a gradient-free local minimization. As the previous version, the program handles the structural results of potential energy hypersurface mappings computed in computer clusters or computational Grid environments. However, since now more general molecule-fixed axes can be defined, a procedure is implemented to ensure the same minimum of the cost function is used in all the molecular structures. In addition, an algorithm for the unambiguous definition of the molecule-fixed axes orientation is used. Does the new version supersede the previous version?: Yes Nature of problem: When building molecular rovibrational Hamiltonians, the kinetic terms depend on the molecule-fixed axes orientation. Thus, an appropriate orientation can significantly simplify the treatment of pure rotation and rovibrational coupling. The kinetic terms are collected in the rovibrational G matrix. Thus, selection of an appropriate molecule-fixed reference frame is equivalent to localize the axes that minimize specific G matrix elements. From this standpoint, three different kinds of molecule-fixed axes are of interest: first, axes minimizing pure rotational elements of the G matrix; second, axes minimizing all the rovibrational G matrix elements; third, axes minimizing simultaneously pure rotational + rovibrational coupling elements. Solution method: In order to carry out the optimal selection of molecule-fixed axes, we add a hybrid method of minimization to the capabilities included in the first version of the program [1]. Thus, we minimize specific elements of the rovibrational G matrix. To such an end, we apply a heuristic global optimization strategy, simulated annealing [2], followed by a Powell's local minimization [3]. We also ✩ This paper and its associated computer program are available via the Computer Physics Communications homepage on ScienceDirect include a procedure to ensure that the same minimum is used when several molecular configurations are considered. In addition, an unambiguous molecule-fixed axes ordering is implemented. Reasons for new version: The previous version of the program, Gmat 1.0, works in principal axes of inertia. Although this axes …