Theoretical study on regularity of changes in quantum defects in Rydberg state series of many-valence electron atoms within WBEPM theory

Within the scheme of the weakest bound electron potential model theory, the regularity of changes in quantum defects in 40 “spectrum-level-like series” of several many-valence electron atoms of the third period was studied. The n–δ curves of the 40 spectrum-level-like series could be classified into three types; for all such series the quantum defects δ could be expanded as a polynomial of the principal quantum number n in a spectrum-level-like series. With regularity, the level energies of high Rydberg states in a series can be predicted accurately. By carefully studying and explaining the three types of 40 n–δ curves, the conclusion was reached: the type of the n–δ curve, i.e., the regularity of changes in quantum defects in a spectrum-level-like series, was determined by both the energy level and the azimuthal quantum number l of the weakest bound electron. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quant Chem 81: 232–237, 2001