Abstract:
Very accurate variational non-relativistic calculations are performed for four higher Rydberg 2D
states (1s2nd1, n = 8, . . . , 11) of the lithium atom (7Li). The wave functions of the states are expanded
in terms of all-electron explicitly correlated Gaussian functions and finite nuclear mass is
used. The exponential parameters of the Gaussians are optimized using the variational method with
the aid of the analytical energy gradient determined with respect to those parameters. The results of
the calculations allow for refining the experimental energy levels determined with respect to the 2S
1s22s1 ground state