Effective Interatomic Pair-Potentials in Liquid Alkali Metals via the RPA and MC Simulation Methods

Abstract

A useful method which is based on the RPA and Monte Carlo computer simulation is presented for calculating an effective interatomic pair-potential from an observed structure factor. The method is applied to liquid Na, K, Rb and Cs and gives reliable pair-potentials compatible with the predictions of the pseudopotential theory. The lack of elaborate scattering experiments, however, seriously limits the use of the present method in extracting a reliable effective pair-potential.