<U|V> overlap integral of two many-electron determinant wave functions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the overlap integral of two many-electron determinant wave functions, specifically examining the mathematical formulation of the overlap between single determinant wave functions constructed from spin orbitals. The conversation includes theoretical considerations and calculations related to the overlap integral in quantum mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the overlap integral can be expressed as Det{} for single determinant wave functions.
  • Another participant suggests that the overlap can indeed be calculated using the determinant of the overlap of the orbitals, noting that this approach would correctly account for the sign.
  • A later reply discusses the relationship between the determinant and singular value decomposition (SVD), indicating that the determinant of the overlap can be related to the product of singular values and a phase factor.
  • One participant expresses concern that using the determinant approach does not adequately reflect the occupation and energy ordering of the orbitals, leading to a result of SAB=1, which they feel does not represent the probability of electron transfer accurately.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the appropriateness and accuracy of using the determinant to calculate the overlap integral. Some agree with the mathematical formulation, while others raise concerns about its limitations regarding orbital occupation and energy ordering.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations related to the dependence on orbital ordering and occupation, as well as the unresolved nature of how these factors influence the calculation of the overlap integral.

limorsj
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Hello,

If we let U and V be two single determinant wave functions built up of spin orbitlas ui and vj respectively, will the overlap between them be as follows:

<U|V> = Det{<ui|vi>}

Thank you
 
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This is not the third thread you make with exactly the same question. Your question has been answered in the thread in the Quantum Physics forum.
 
cgk said:
This is not the third thread you make with exactly the same question. Your question has been answered in the thread in the Quantum Physics forum.

Dear cgk,

According to your answer in another forum I can calculate the SAB by computing a singular value decomposition (SVD) of the occupied orbital overlap Socc. However, I would be very glad to know if the SAB can also be calculated by
SAB=<U|V> = Det{<ui|vj>},

Thank you for your support
 
I think so, yes. This would even get the sign right. Note that for a square matrix (as you have here) the determinant is equal to the product of singular values multiplied by a phase factor (since if SAB = U diag(sig) V (i.e., a SVD, with U and V unitary), then det(SAB) = det(U diag(sig) V) = det(U) det(diag(sig)) det(V) = e^{i phi} det(diag(sig)) = e^{i phi} prod{sig_i}, since unitary matrices have determinants with absolute value 1).
 
cgk said:
I think so, yes. This would even get the sign right. Note that for a square matrix (as you have here) the determinant is equal to the product of singular values multiplied by a phase factor (since if SAB = U diag(sig) V (i.e., a SVD, with U and V unitary), then det(SAB) = det(U diag(sig) V) = det(U) det(diag(sig)) det(V) = e^{i phi} det(diag(sig)) = e^{i phi} prod{sig_i}, since unitary matrices have determinants with absolute value 1).[/QUOT

Thank you very much
 
cgk said:
I think so, yes. This would even get the sign right. Note that for a square matrix (as you have here) the determinant is equal to the product of singular values multiplied by a phase factor (since if SAB = U diag(sig) V (i.e., a SVD, with U and V unitary), then det(SAB) = det(U diag(sig) V) = det(U) det(diag(sig)) det(V) = e^{i phi} det(diag(sig)) = e^{i phi} prod{sig_i}, since unitary matrices have determinants with absolute value 1).
Dear cgk,

Thank you very much for your kind answers. I was wondering whether you could help me again... I calculate the SAB of the two slater determinants. I have two sets of molecular orbitals, in both sets I have equivalent orbitals, just in different energy order and different electrons occupation. Since using SAB=<U|V> = Det{<ui|vj>} does not take into account the occupation or the order of the orbitals (changing the order will just change the sign of the determinant value), I get actually SAB=1... It seems not to calculate what I need...since SAB should reflect the probability of electron transfer between this two sets...
p.s. for my calculation I take only the occupied orbitals (I have one singly and the other doubly occupied).

Thank you
 

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