What Is the Atomic Equivalent of the Wood-Saxon Potential?

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The Wood-Saxon potential is primarily used in nuclear physics to describe the nucleus, and the discussion seeks an analogous potential for atomic systems. It is clarified that a single atom does not have a potential in the same way a nucleus does. The conversation suggests that if the focus is on the electrons in an atom, quantum defect theory may serve as a relevant analogy. The inquiry highlights the need for a potential that applies specifically to single atoms rather than molecular interactions. The discussion concludes that understanding atomic potentials requires different theoretical frameworks compared to nuclear potentials.
BRN
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Hi at all!
This is not a homework or simila, so I'm sorry if I post my question in a wrong section, but I do not know where to post it.

In the nuclear case, the Wood-Saxon potential is the main empirical potential used to describe the nucleus.
What would be the analogue in the atomic case?
The potentials of Morse and Lennard-Jons are related to the molecules, I would need one relative to the single atom.

Thanks!
 
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I'm not sure what you are after. A single atom doesn't have a potential. Are you looking for a potential for the electrons in an atom?

If it is the latter you are after, the closest thing I can think of would be something like quantum defect theory.
 
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