Stable negative ions of the heavy alkaline-earth atoms

Abstract

Strontium, barium and radium are predicted to have stable negative ions of ns2np designation, on the basis of eigenchannel R-matrix calculations performed in LS coupling for the negative ion of each alkaline-earth atom. The calculations also confirm earlier studies indicating that the negative ion of calcium is stable and that corresponding 2P degrees states in beryllium and magnesium are unstable shape resonances. The much larger polarisability of the heavier alkaline earths play a crucial role in binding the additional electron. The analysis uses quantum defect theory in its generalised form appropriate for long-range motion in a dipole polarisation potential.