Sturmian functions in a L2 basis:: Critical nuclear charge for N-electron atoms

Two particle Sturmian functions [M. Rotenberg, Ann. Phys., NY 19 (1962) 262; S.V. Khristenko, Theor. Math. Fiz. 22 (1975) 31 (Engl. Transl. Theor. Math. Phys. 22, 21)] for a short range potentials are obtained by expanding the solution of the Schrodinger equation in a finite L(2)Lagueffetype basis. These functions are chosen to satisfy certain boundary conditions, such as regularity at the origin and the correct asymptotic behavior according to the energy domain: exponential decay for negative energy and outgoing (incoming or standing wave) for positive energy. The set of eigenvalues obtained is discrete for both positive and negative energies. This Sturmian basis is used to solve the Schrodinger equation for a one-particle model potential [A.V. Sergeev, S. Kais, J. Quant. Chem. 75 (1999) 533] to describe the motion of a loosely bound electron in a multiellectron atom. Values of the two parameters of the potential are computed to represent the Helium isoelectronic series and the critical nuclear charge Z(c), is found, in good agreement with previous calculations. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.