Question about spectroscopic notation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the notation used for multi-electron orbitals in spectroscopy, specifically focusing on the meaning of the notation such as 1D2 and the additional superscript 0 in 1D20. Participants explore the implications of these notations and their interpretations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the notation 1D2 and seeks clarification on its meaning, suggesting it represents a singlet state with specific quantum numbers.
  • Another participant provides the standard notation format, indicating that the notation includes terms for spin multiplicity and angular momentum, but admits uncertainty regarding Slater's specific notation.
  • A third participant confirms the interpretation of 1D2 as correct and suggests that the superscript 0 can be ignored for now, pending further information.
  • One participant explains that the superscript 0 indicates odd parity, noting that even parity does not have a superscript, but expresses uncertainty about the details of how parity relates to spin values.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the meaning of the superscript 0, and there are varying interpretations of the notation and its implications. Some agree on the basic interpretation of 1D2, while others express uncertainty about the specifics of Slater's notation.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the definitions of terms and the assumptions underlying the interpretations of the notation. Some participants acknowledge a lack of clarity on certain aspects, particularly concerning parity and its relation to spin.

Kalimaa23
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Greetings,

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

[tex]^{1}D_{2}[/tex],

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

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

[tex]^{1}D_{2}^{0}[/tex]

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:
[tex]^{1}D_{2}[/tex],

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.
 

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