In$_4$Mg$_3$ in In$_x$Mg$_3$ (x = 1 – 6) series: a magic unit for future smart materials

Systematic investigation on the stability and electronic properties of a series of bimetallic (semiconductor-alkaline earth) clusters, viz., In$_x$Mg$_3$ (x = 1 – 6) is performed, in the search for exceptionally and/or unusually stable motifs. A very popular hybrid exchange-correlation functional, B3LYP as proposed by A. D. Becke is employed for this purpose under the density functional formalism. The magic stability among the concerned clusters is explained using the jellium model. It is evident from the present study that the magic stability of In$_4$Mg$_3$ cluster arises due to the jellium shell closure and found as a potential building block for future novel semiconductor materials.