Wave Functions and Transition Probabilities for Light Atoms

A new method of taking electronic correlations into account is presented. This method differs from conventional configuration methods in its generality, simplicity, and interpretation. However, due to the particular choice of perturbation series, there are substantial similarities. The computation is based on a function, the $S$-function, which was tabulated beforehand. This function is a bilinear Laplace transform of the Green's function and has various useful properties. The method is applied to the ($1{s}^{2}2{s}^{2}2{p}^{2}$) configuration of C i, N ii, O iii, and F iv. A few significant terms are identified which take care of 60-80% of the discrepancy between experimental and theoretical values of multiplet separations. The spin-orbit separations and nebular transitions are calculated. With a slight modification of the $2p$ wave function it is seen that substantial agreement with experiment can be obtained.