Relativistic atomic structure calculations in support of spectroscopy

Abstract

Theory can provide important support at all the stages of spectroscopic experiments, from planning the measurements to the interpretation of the results. Such support is particularly valuable for the challenging experiments on heavy, unstable, and superheavy elements and for precision measurements aimed at testing the Standard Model of particle physics. To be reliable and useful in experimental context, theoretical predictions should be based on high-accuracy calculations. For heavy elements, such calculations must treat both relativistic effects and electron correlation on the highest possible level. Relativistic coupled cluster is considered one of the most powerful methods for accurate calculations on heavy many-electron atoms and molecules. This approach is highly accurate and versatile and can be used to obtain energies and a variety of atomic and molecular properties. Furthermore, its robust and transparent formulation allows for systematic improvement of the accuracy of the calculated results and for assigning uncertainties on theoretical values. The Fock-space coupled cluster (FSCC) variant of this method is particularly useful in the context of spectroscopic measurements as it provides access to atomic spectra and properties of the excited states. In this review, we present in detail the relativistic coupled cluster approach and its FSCC variant. We provide a description of the computational procedure used for accurate calculations and for assigning uncertainties. Outstanding recent examples of application to atomic properties, focusing on the experimental context are presented. Finally, we provide a brief discussion of the perspectives for future developments and applications of the CC approach.