A new look at Thomas–Fermi theory

TY - JOUR

T1 - A new look at Thomas–Fermi theory

AU - Solovej, Jan Philip

PY - 2016/4/17

Y1 - 2016/4/17

N2 - In this short note, we argue that Thomas–Fermi theory, the simplest of all density functional theories, although failing to explain features such as molecular binding or stability of negative ions, is surprisingly accurate in estimating sizes of atoms. We give both numerical, experimental and rigorous mathematical evidence for this claim. Motivated by this, we formulate two new mathematical conjectures on the exactness of Thomas–Fermi theory.

AB - In this short note, we argue that Thomas–Fermi theory, the simplest of all density functional theories, although failing to explain features such as molecular binding or stability of negative ions, is surprisingly accurate in estimating sizes of atoms. We give both numerical, experimental and rigorous mathematical evidence for this claim. Motivated by this, we formulate two new mathematical conjectures on the exactness of Thomas–Fermi theory.

U2 - 10.1080/00268976.2015.1130273

DO - 10.1080/00268976.2015.1130273

M3 - Journal article

SN - 0026-8976

VL - 114

SP - 1036

EP - 1040

JO - Molecular Physics

JF - Molecular Physics

IS - 7-8

ER -