The Slater-type orbitals (STOs)

are approximate solutions to the eigenvalue equation. N is the normalization constant, n is the principal quantum number of the orbital, z (zeta) is called the orbital exponent, and is the angular part of the orbital. Unlike the hydgronlike orbitals such as the 2s orbital (eq2), the STOs have no radial nodes.



Slater defined zeta as



where Z is the atomic number and s is a screening constant. Today, atomic orbitals for many-electron atoms are approximated by linear combinations of several STOs and the z's are evaluated by means of the self-consistent field method.^1,2

    1) Levine, Ira N. Quantum Chemistry, 5th ed.; Prentice Hall : Upper Saddle River, 2000; pp 310-312.
    2) Lowe, John P. Quantum Chemistry; Academic Press: New York, 1978; pp 130-132.

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