Calculation of Matrix Elements in the Foldy-Wouthuysen Representation

Abstract

The paper compares the methods used to calculate matrix elements of the operator of radail electron coordinates in an arbitrary order in the Foldy-Wouthuysen representation and with the use of the Dirac equation for 1s-states of the hydrogen-like and helium-like ions of transuranic elements. The obtained analytical and numerical results for 1s-states of the hydrogen-like and helium-like ions proves that the wave function reduction requirement is met with transformation to the Foldy-Wouthuysen representation and confirms that matrix elements can be calculated using only one component (either upper, or lower) of the Dirac bispinor wave function.