Relativistic effects in many electron hyperfine structure I. Theory

Abstract

Abstract A theory is developed which simplifies the calculation and interpretation of relativistic hyperfine structure effects in many electron atoms. This is achieved through the introduction of the concept of an LS coupled relativistic state. By means of a series of effective Hamiltonians acting between these states the relativistic problem is turned into a non-relativistic one which can be solved more easily. Some qualitative applications are discussed; quantitative applications are treated in the two papers following.