A new method of solving the many-body Schrödinger equation

A new method of solving the many-body Schrödinger equation is proposed. It is based on the use of constant particle-particle interaction potential surfaces (IPSs) and the representation of the many-body wave function in a configuration interaction form with coefficients depending on the total interaction potential. For these coefficients the corresponding set of linear ordinary differential equations is obtained. A hierarchy of approximations is developed for IPSs. The solution of a simple exactly solvable model and He-like ions proves that this method is more accurate than the conventional configuration interaction method and demonstrates a better convergence with increasing basis set.