Question about spectroscopic notation

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the interpretation of spectroscopic notation for multi-electron orbitals, specifically the notation ^{1}D_{2} and its variant ^{1}D_{2}^{0}. The notation ^{1}D_{2} indicates a singlet state with total spin S=0, orbital angular momentum L=2, and total angular momentum J=2. The additional superscript 0 in ^{1}D_{2}^{0} signifies odd parity, which is relevant when the total spin results in a negative value. The standard notation follows the format 2S+1XJ, where X represents the type of orbital (S, P, D, F).

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This discussion is beneficial for physicists, chemists, and students studying atomic and molecular physics, particularly those interested in spectroscopic methods and notation.

Kalimaa23
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Greetings,

I'm a bit confused about the notation for multi-electron orbitals.
For example, you have the notation

^{1}D_{2},

which mean a singlet with S=0 L=2, J=2, right?

Now I've come across the notation (in Slater)

^{1}D_{2}^{0}

What's the deal with the extra superscript 0?
 
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The std. notation, as I'm sure you know is 2S+1XJ, where X = S,P,D,F.

I've also come across notation that appends nlx in front of the std. notation. Where this extra addition is simply the configuration of the outermost subshell.

I have no idea what notation Slater is using. But keep in mind that he is a physicist (and hence loathes spectroscopists despite feeding off their data :wink:) and nearly all his books were written in the 60s (or thereabouts).
 
Dimitri Terryn said:
^{1}D_{2},

which mean a singlet with S=0 L=2, J=2, right?
This is correct. Until better info comes along, you can feel safe ignoring the 0.
 
The superscript o after the subshell indicates odd parity. When the parity is even, there is no superscript. I hesitate to venture further, because it's a little fuzzy to me as well. I think that the odd parity results if you get a negative value when summing spins, like if you have a total negative spin. This thread is so old, I don't know if anybody even cares.
 
I came.across a headline and read some of the article, so I was curious. Scientists discover that gold is a 'reactive metal' by accidentally creating a new material in the lab https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-that-gold-is-reactive-metal-by-creating-gold-hydride-in-lab-experiment/ From SLAC - A SLAC team unexpectedly formed gold hydride in an experiment that could pave the way for studying materials under extreme conditions like those found inside certain planets and stars undergoing...

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