Analytical wave functions for atomic quantum-defect theory

Abstract

We present an exactly solvable effective potential that reproduces atomic spectra in the limit of exact quantum-defect theory, i.e., the limit in which, for a fixed l, the principal quantum number is modified by a constant: $n^*=\text{n}-\delta (\text{l})$. Transition probabilities for alkali atoms are calculated using the analytical wave functions obtained and agree well with accepted values. This allows us to make phenomenological predictions for certain unknown transition probabilities. Our analytical wave functions might serve as useful trial wave functions for detailed calculations.