A FINITE ELECTRONIC PARTITION FUNCTION FROM SCREENED COULOMB INTERACTIONS,
Abstract
Some numerical solutions of the Schrodinger equation with the complete screened Coulomb potential (CSCP) have been presented with tables and graphs of quantum numbers lambda(subscripts n, l) and relative normalizations phi(subscripts n, l) (lambda). The problem of a maximum bound principal quantum number or a finite number of screened Coulomb states has been resolved: the screened Coulomb potential yields at least as many bound states as the Coulomb potential. The concepts and results introduced here also resolve the problem of the intensity drop of hydrogen lines in the solar photosphere and chromosphere and in very low temperature hydrogen in laboratory measurements. The effect of screening on the lowering of the ionization potential of an atom is illustrated by the calculation of the observed ionization potential of hydrogen as accurately as it is calculated by more elaborate methods. Astrophysical observations of effective maximum bound states and/or maximum distinct levels will enable one to calculate an ion-number density in the source of absorption or emission lines. This will be valuable in obtaining more information about the atmospheres of stars in general, and quasi-stellar objects and X-ray sources in particular, as well as local density variations in the atmosphere of the sun. And, of course, with a given relative abundance of elements, a mass density can be computed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 15, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0659953
Entities
People
- Carl A. Rouse
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory