Variational Calculation of Magnetic Hyperfine Interaction. Nitrogen Atom

Abstract

A variational method, employing the unrestricted Hartree‐Fock approximation, is proposed for the calculation of isotropic magnetic hyperfine constants in paramagnetic atoms and ions with unpaired electrons in non‐S states and in free radicals. The method is applied to the ground state of the nitrogen atom. The N¹⁴ hyperfine constant in the ground state is calculated to be +7.3 Mc as compared to the recent experimental value of +10.4509±0.0003 Mc. Reasons for the discrepancy are discussed.