Spin parameter optimization for spin-polarized extended tight-binding methods

Abstract

We present an optimization strategy for atom-specific spin-polarization constants within the spin-polarized GFN2-xTB framework, aiming to enhance the accuracy of molecular simulations. We compare a sequential and global optimization of spin parameters for hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and fluorine. Sensitivity analysis using Sobol indices guides the identification of the most influential parameters for a given reference dataset, allowing for a nuanced understanding of their impact on diverse molecular properties. In the case of the W4-11 dataset, substantial error reduction was achieved, demonstrating the potential of the optimization. Transferability of the optimized spin-polarization constants over different properties, however, is limited, as we demonstrate by applying the optimized parameters on a set of singlet-triplet gaps in carbenes. Further studies on ionization potentials and electron affinities highlight some inherent limitations of current extended tight-binding methods that can not be resolved by simple parameter optimization. We conclude that the significantly improved accuracy strongly encourages the present re-optimization of the spin-polarization constants, whereas the limited transferability motivates a property-specific optimization strategy.