An attempt to use correlated wavefunctions to determine autoionizing states. I.²<i>P</i>⁰resonances in the lithium atom

Abstract

The correlated-configuration saddle point method is proposed as a tool for rather high accuracy determination of autoionizing states in atomic systems. The method is based on the method of superposition of correlated configurations, elaborated previously by one of the authors and on the mini-max principle. The positions of the six lowest 2P0 resonances in the lithium atom have been determined. The results are better than those obtained by other authors and a comparison with experiments is in general satisfactory.