Simple method to obtain symmetry harmonics of point groups

We propose a simple, self-consistent method to obtain basis functions of irreducible representations of a finite point group. Our method is based on eigenproblem formulation of a projection operator represented as a nonhomogeneous polynomial of angular momentum L. The method is shown to be more efficient than the usual numerical methods when applied to the analysis of high-order symmetry harmonics in cubic and icosahedral groups. For low-order symmetry harmonics the method provides rational coefficients of expansion in the Y-L,Y-M basis. (c) 2006 American Institute of Physics.