Potential curves for the ground and excited states of the Na2 molecule up to the (3s+5p) dissociation limit : results of two different effective potential calculations

Theoretical calculations for the ground state and for 83 excited states of the Na2 molecule are presented in the framework of two independent approaches. The electron–core interaction is represented either by a pseudopotential or by a model potential, and a core polarization potential is introduced in both cases. The basis set contains either Gaussian orbitals or two-center generalized Slater orbitals. The two methods appear to give similar results, one being more accurate for the ground and first excited states, the other being better adapted to the intermediate Rydberg states. A very good agreement is obtained with the experimental spectroscopic constants determined for 26 states, the mean deviation being ΔRe=0.05a0, Δωe=0.86 cm−1, and ΔDe=57 cm−1.