Ionization Potentials and Quantum Defects of 1s^2np^2p Rydberg States of Lithium Atom

Abstract In this work, ionization potentials and quantum effects of ls^2 np^2 P Rydberg states of lithium are calculated based on the calibrated quantum defect function. Energy levels and quantum defects for ls^2np^2P bound states and their adjacent continuum states are calculated with the R-matrix theory, and then the quantum defect function of the ls^2np （n ≥ 7） channel is obtained, which varies smoothly with the energy based on the quantum defect theory. The accurate quantum defect of the ls^2 7p^2P state derived from the experimental data is used to calibrate the original quantum defect function. The new function is used to calculate ionization potentials and quantum effects of ls^2np ^2P （n ≥ 7） Rydberg states. Present calculations are in agreement with recent experimental data in whole.