Improved modified embedded-atom method potentials for gold and silicon

The modified embedded-atom method interatomic potentials for pure gold and pure silicon are improved in their melting point and latent heat predictions, by modifying the multi-body screening function and the equation of state function. The fitting of the new parameters requires rapid calculations of melting point and latent heat, which are enabled by efficient free-energy methods. The results provide the basis for constructing a cross-potential that will be fitted to the binary gold-silicon phase diagram.