Yukawa potentials for atomic negative ions

Abstract

For the purpose of calculating bound-state properties (e.g., energy levels) and scattering properties (e.g., cross sections) of atomic systems, we seek a precise independent-particle model (IPM) for electrons in atomic negative ions from Z=3 up to Z=85. The IPM potential is a combination of two Yukawa potentials whose strengths and ranges are functions of two adjustable parameters. The parameters are varied until the inner energy levels are close to the experimental energy levels of neutral atoms, and the last electron eigenvalue is precisely equal to the electron affinity of negative ions. Systematic trends in the parameters are determined.