Assessing the quality of the random phase approximation for lattice constants and atomization energies of solids

We present lattice constants, bulk moduli, and atomization energies of solids using the correlation energy evaluated within the adiabatic connection fluctuation-dissipation framework and applying the random-phase approximation. Recently, we have shown [Phys. Rev. Lett. 103 056401 (2009)] that geometrical properties and heats of formation are well described within this approximation. We extend this study to a larger set of materials and focus on the treatment of metals and the effect introduced by the frozen-core approximation.