DFT calculations of point defects on UN(001) surface

The density functional theory is used in a study of point defects on both UN(001) surface and sub-surface layers. We compare the results for slabs of different thicknesses (both perfect and containing nitrogen or uranium vacancies) with a full geometry, electronic and spin density optimization. The electronic charge density re-distribution, density of states, magnetic moments of U atoms and local atomic displacements around defects are carefully analyzed. It is predicted that the vacancies are formed easier on the surface, whereas the property of sub-surface layer does not differ significantly from the central one in the slab.