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Nonadiabatic core polarization and penetration correction in alkali-like atoms: model computations on excited states of helium

Journal Article · · Int. J. Quant. Chem., v. 9, no. 5, pp. 835-853

Correlation between the motion of a highly excited outer electron and that of the remaining ionic ''core'' of an atom is generally treated in an adiabatic approximation, in which it is assumed that the outer electron affects the core in the same way as a stationary point charge. An alternative approach to this correlation problem which avoids the adiabatic approximation is tested here on the 1s2p, 1s3d, and 1s4f states of helium. The results provide the first accurate test of the adiabatic approximation and of a simple correction for the nonzero velocity of the outer electron. The approach used is based on neglect, in the ''correlation'' part of the wave function, of the possibility that the outer electron comes closer to the nucleus than any core electron (''penetration''). A correction for this neglect is derived and tested on a version of the adiabatic approximation that likewise neglects penetration. (auth)

Research Organization:
Eastman Kodak Co., Rochester, NY
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
NSA Number:
NSA-33-024308
OSTI ID:
4049002
Journal Information:
Int. J. Quant. Chem., v. 9, no. 5, pp. 835-853, Journal Name: Int. J. Quant. Chem., v. 9, no. 5, pp. 835-853; ISSN IJQCB
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English