  In applying the semiempirical intermediate neglect of differential overlap
(INDO) method based on the Hartree-Fock formalism to a cubic perovskite-based
ferroelectric material KNbO3, it was demonstrated that the accuracy of the
method is sufficient for adequately describing the small energy differences
related to the ferroelectric instability. The choice of INDO parameters has
been done for a system containing Nb. Based on the parametrization proposed,
the electronic structure, equilibrium ground state structure of the
orthorhombic and rhombohedral phases, and Gamma-TO phonon frequencies in cubic
and rhombohedral phases of KNbO3 were calculated and found to be in good
agreement with the experimental data and with the first-principles calculations
available.
