Solution of the Dirac-Coulomb equation using the Rayleigh-Ritz method. Results for He-like atoms

Abstract

The Dirac-Coulomb equation for helium-like ions is solved using the iterative self-consistent field method, with Slater-type spinor orbitals as the basis. These orbitals inherently satisfy the kinetic-balance condition due to their coupling for both large- and small-components. The $1/r_{12}$ Coulomb interaction is treated without constraints. Computations are carried out for total energies of atoms with nuclear charges up to $Z \leq 80$ using both minimal and extended basis sets. Variationally optimal values for orbital parameters are determined through the Rayleigh-Ritz variational principle. No manifestations related to the Brown-Ravenhall disease are found.