Classical multielectron model atoms with optimized ionization energies

Abstract

We propose a method to build stable classical multielectron model atoms with the ionization energies optimized to experimental values. Based on the work of Kirschbaum and Wilets [Phys. Rev. A 21, 834 (1980)10.1103/PhysRevA.21.834], which introduces auxiliary potentials to simulate quantum mechanical effects, we implement a genetic algorithm to optimize the related parameters such that the model atoms yield correct (first few) ionization energies. Ionization-energy optimized model atoms automatically show separated electron shells, consistent to normal expectations. Numerical examples are given to demonstrate the importance of correct ionization energies, as well as new perspectives to double ionization processes.