Electronic structure of BaCu$_2$As$_2$ and SrCu$_2$As$_2$: sp-band metals

The electronic structures of ThCr$_2$Si$_2$ structure BaCu$_2$As$_2$ and SrCu$_2$As$_2$ are investigated using density functional calculations. The Cu $d$ orbitals are located at 3 eV and higher binding energy, and are therefore chemically inert with little contribution near the Fermi energy. These materials are moderate density of states, sp-band metals with large Fermi surfaces and low anisotropy.