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I. The Generalized Valence Bond Description of O₂ II. Configuration Interaction Studies on Low-Lying States of O₂

Citation

Moss, Barry Joel (1975) I. The Generalized Valence Bond Description of O₂ II. Configuration Interaction Studies on Low-Lying States of O₂. Master's thesis, California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/WB95-VY69. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:03312010-111428333

Abstract

I. The Generalized Valence Bond Description of O_2 Ab initio calculations using the generalized valence bond (GVB) method have been carried out for the lowest triplet and singlet states of O_2 at internuclear distances (R) between 2a_o and 6a_o. In contrast to other orbital descriptions, GVB leads correctly to ground state oxygen atoms as the bond length is increased to infinity. This proper behavior requires optimization of the spatial orbitals themselves and of the permutational coupling between them as well. Analysis of the results as a function of R is straightforward. Constructing a simple configuration interaction (CI) wavefunction using the GVB orbitals leads to excellent potential curves, accounting for 94% of the bond dissociation energy. The calculated adiabatic separation of the singlet and triplet states is 1.09 eV compared with the experimental T_e of 1.01 eV. II. Configuration Interaction Studies on Low-Lying States of O_2 Configuration interaction calculations are reported as a function of R for the nine state of O_2 corresponding to the (3σ_g)^2 (1π_μ)^4 (1π_g)^2 and (3σ_g)^2 (1π_μ)^3 (1π_g)^3 configurations (X^3∑^-_g, a^1Δ_g, b^1∑^+_g, ^1∑^-_μ, ^3Δ_μ, A^3∑^+_μ, B^3∑^-_μ, ^1Δ_μ, ^1∑^+_μ). By using the generalized valence bond (GVB) orbitals of the X^3∑^-_g state we obtain good quality GVB-CI wavefunctions with only a moderate number of configurations(72 to 98 spatial configurations) despite the use of a large basis set (double-zeta plus polarization functions). The calculated D_e for the X^3∑^-_μ state is 4.88 eV, 93% of the experimental value. The calculated adiabatic excitation energies are on the average about 0.1 eV from the experimental values.

Item Type:Thesis (Master's thesis)
Subject Keywords:(Chemistry)
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Major Option:Chemistry
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Unknown, Unknown
Thesis Committee:
  • Unknown, Unknown
Defense Date:10 January 1975
Record Number:CaltechTHESIS:03312010-111428333
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:03312010-111428333
DOI:10.7907/WB95-VY69
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:5660
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Tony Diaz
Deposited On:16 Apr 2010 17:12
Last Modified:05 Aug 2024 22:58

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