NOTE ON 3P54S3D CONFIGURATION IN NEUTRAL POTASSIUM (K1)

Intermediate coupling matrices for p5sd were diagonalized with energy parameters based on restricted Hartree-Fock wave functions for K i 3p54s3d. The resulting energies and Russell-Saunders percentage compositions for the levels are given. The baricenter of the configuration was taken as 170 644 cm-1, equal to the average energy relative to 3p64s as calculated by the Hartree-Fock method. Three autoionization lines previously observed in the vacuum ultraviolet absorption spectrum of K i are classified as transitions to levels of 3p54s3d. An approximate correction of -2025 cm-1 to the above baricenter is thus obtained, and predicted positions for the other transitions to 3p5 4s3d are given. The doublet 3p64sS122→3p53d(P1°) 4sP12,112°2 (calculated position ∼ 480) is predicted to absorb most of the oscillator strength of the array. The calculated percentage compositions of the levels confirm a conclusion of Sprott and Novick that the D3124 level observed by them does not belong to 3p54s3d. Calculated positions for 3p54s3d and 3p54s4p are consistent, within the approximations, with their conclusion that 3p54s3dF412°4 and 3p54s4pD3124 are not separated by more than ∼ 0.15 eV. © 1969 The American Physical Society.