Thomas-Fermi Model: Comparison with Atomic Experiments

  • Thread starter Thread starter blue_leaf77
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Model
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The Thomas-Fermi model is primarily utilized for qualitative analysis of many-electron atoms, as it provides poor approximations for energy levels compared to experimental measurements. The model assumes that electrons move freely without the influence of nuclear potential, which oversimplifies the complexities of atomic interactions. A referenced paper, available at JETP, discusses the discrepancies between the model's predictions and actual atomic energy levels. Overall, while the Thomas-Fermi model offers insights, it is not reliable for precise calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Thomas-Fermi model in quantum mechanics
  • Familiarity with atomic structure and electron behavior
  • Knowledge of experimental measurement techniques in atomic physics
  • Basic grasp of potential energy concepts in atomic systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the limitations of the Thomas-Fermi model in quantum mechanics
  • Study the comparison of theoretical predictions with experimental data for atomic energy levels
  • Explore advanced models that improve upon the Thomas-Fermi approximation, such as Hartree-Fock theory
  • Investigate the role of electron-electron interactions in atomic physics
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, quantum mechanics students, and researchers interested in atomic structure and the limitations of theoretical models in comparison to experimental data.

blue_leaf77
Science Advisor
Messages
2,637
Reaction score
786
I'm reading the Thomas-Fermi model for many electrons atom. However the book I'm reading doesn't seem to provide a comparison between the result of calculation using this method with experimental measurement. I wonder if this method gives a good approximation at all. So, I would appreciate if somebody can provide me a link which discusses the comparison with experiments. e.g. the energy levels of some atoms.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
That's what I suspected though, the method begins with the assumption that the electrons move freely under no influence of any potential around the nucleus and that sounds to be oversimplification.
Thanks anyway for the paper.
 
Thread 'Unexpected irregular reflection signal from a high-finesse cavity'

Thread 'Unexpected irregular reflection signal from a high-finesse cavity'

I am observing an irregular, aperiodic noise pattern in the reflection signal of a high-finesse optical cavity (finesse ≈ 20,000). The cavity is normally operated using a standard Pound–Drever–Hall (PDH) locking configuration, where an EOM provides phase modulation. The signals shown in the attached figures were recorded with the modulation turned off. Under these conditions, when scanning the laser frequency across a cavity resonance, I expected to observe a simple reflection dip. Instead...
View full post »

Similar threads

Undergrad Issues in understanding screening effects in the Jellium model
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
3K
Undergrad Charge carrier density: Hall experiment vs Fermi-Dirac statistics
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
Need guidance for using and understanding NuShellX
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
971
High School How does lattice vibration affect electron mobility in semiconductor?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Thomas-Fermi approximation and the dielectric function
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Graduate Properties of Degenerate Electron Gas
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Sticky
Insights Revisiting The Deuterium Lyman Alpha Line Experiment
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
7K
Issues with SLS Model for Rubber and Foam Compression Tests
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
887
Undergrad Comparing theoretical calculations with experimental data
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
6K
Undergrad Cyclotron resonance and Landau Levels
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K