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Von Weizsaecker and exchange corrections in the Thomas Fermi theory

Thesis/Dissertation ·
OSTI ID:6147708
Two corrections to the Thomas-Fermi theory of atoms are studied. First the correction for exchange, that is the effect of the Pauli principle in the interaction energy, is considered. The defining variational problem is non-convex and standard technique to prove existence of a minimizing solution do not apply. Existence and uniqueness of solutions are established by convexifying or relaxing the energy functional. Properties of the minimizing solution are studied. A second correction due to von Weizsaecker is also discussed. Finally the dual principle to the Thomas-Fermi variational problem is studied (only in the neutral case). A dual principle is suggested for the ionic case. Also, a review of recent rigorous results concerning Thomas-Fermi theory is presented.
Research Organization:
Princeton Univ., NJ (USA)
OSTI ID:
6147708
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English