The Madelung Constant in $N$ Dimensions

Abstract

We introduce two convergent series expansions (direct and recursive) in terms of Bessel functions and representations of sums $r_N(m)$ of squares for $N$-dimensional Madelung constants, $M_N(s)$, where $s$ is the exponent of the Madelung series (usually chosen as $s=1/2$). The functional behavior including analytical continuation, and the convergence of the Bessel function expansion is discussed in detail. Recursive definitions are used to evaluate $r_N(m)$. Values for $M_N(s)$ for $s=\tfrac{1}{2}, \tfrac{3}{2}, 3$ and 6 for dimension up to $N=20$ and for $M_N(1/2)$ up to $N=100$ are presented. Zucker's original analysis on $N$-dimensional Madelung constants for even dimensions up to $N=8$ and their possible continuation into higher dimensions is briefly analyzed.