Configuration interaction accuracy

Correlated calculations, such as configuration interaction, DFT, MPn, and coupled cluster calculations, can be used to model small organic molecules with high-end workstations or supercomputers. These are some of the most accurate calculations done routinely. Correlation is not usually required for qualitative or even quantitative results for organic molecules. It is needed to obtain high-accuracy quantitative results. 

Each cell in the chart defines a model chemistry. The columns correspond to differcni theoretical methods and the rows to different basis sets. The level of correlation increases as you move to the right across any row, with the Hartree-Fock method jI the extreme left (including no correlation), and the Full Configuration Interaction method at the right (which fuUy accounts for electron correlation). In general, computational cost and accuracy increase as you move to the right as well. The relative costs of different model chemistries for various job types is discussed in... 

A disadvantage of all these limited Cl variants is that they are not size-consistent.The Quadratic Configuration Interaction (QCI) method was developed to correct this deficiency. The QCISD method adds terms to CISD to restore size consistency. QCISD also accounts for some correlation effects to infinite order. QCISD(T) adds triple substitutions to QCISD, providing even greater accuracy. Similarly, QCISD(TQ) adds both triples and quadruples from the full Cl expansion to QCISD. 

There is no systematic way in which the exchange correlation functional Vxc[F] can be systematically improved in standard HF-LCAO theory, we can improve on the model by increasing the accuracy of the basis set, doing configuration interaction or MPn calculations. What we have to do in density functional theory is to start from a model for which there is an exact solution, and this model is the uniform electron gas. Parr and Yang (1989) write... 

The estimation of f from Stokes law when the bead is similar in size to a solvent molecule represents a dubious application of a classical equation derived for a continuous medium to a molecular phenomenon. The value used for f above could be considerably in error. Hence the real test of whether or not it is justifiable to neglect the second term in Eq. (19) is to be sought in experiment. It should be remarked also that the Kirkwood-Riseman theory, including their theory of viscosity to be discussed below, has been developed on the assumption that the hydrodynamics of the molecule, like its thermodynamic interactions, are equivalent to those of a cloud distribution of independent beads. A better approximation to the actual molecule would consist of a cylinder of roughly uniform cross section bent irregularly into a random, tortuous configuration. The accuracy with which the cloud model represents the behavior of the real polymer chain can be decided at present only from analysis of experimental data. 

As far as the molecular calculation is concerned, the use of an ab initio method is necessary for an adequate representation of the open-shell metastable N (ls2s) + He system with four outer electrons. The CIPSI configuration interaction method used in this calculations leads to the same rate of accuracy as the spin-coupled valence bond method (cf. the work on by Cooper et al. [19] or on NH" + by Zygelman et al. [37]). 

There is also a hierarchy of electron correlation procedures. The Hartree-Fock (HF) approximation neglects correlation of electrons with antiparallel spins. Increasing levels of accuracy of electron correlation treatment are achieved by Mpller-Plesset perturbation theory truncated at the second (MP2), third (MP3), or fourth (MP4) order. Further inclusion of electron correlation is achieved by methods such as quadratic configuration interaction with single, double, and (perturbatively calculated) triple excitations [QCISD(T)], and by the analogous coupled cluster theory [CCSD(T)] [8],... 

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