Theory of Spin-Orbit Coupling in Atoms. III

Abstract

Spin-orbit coupling constants have been calculated for a number of $4d$ and $4f$ shell ions, as well as for some excited states of Li and Cu. The calculations are based on a theory in which the contribution of two-body spin-orbit interactions to the coupling constant is taken into account and exchange effects are included. Fair agreement with experiment is obtained, and several possible reasons for the discrepancies which do occur are discussed. The relation of spin-orbit coupling to hyperfine structure is also considered.