Beyond computational difficulties: Survey of the two decades from the elaboration to the extensive application of the Hartree-Fock method

摘要

AbstractThe Hartree-Fock method, one of the first applications of the new quantum mechanics in the frame of the many-body problem, had been elaborated by Rayner Douglas Hartree in 1928 and Vladimir Fock in 1930. Promptly, the challenge of tedious computations was being discussed and it is well known that the application of the method benefited greatly from the development of computers from the mid-to-late 1950s. However, the years from 1930 to 1950 were by no means years of stagnation, as the method was the object of several considerations related to its mathematical formulation, possible extension, and conceptual understanding. Thus, with a focus on the respective attitudes of Hartree and Fock, in particular with respect to the concept of quantum exchange, the present work puts forward some mathematical and conceptual clarifications, which played an important role for a better understanding of the many-body problem in quantum mechanics.Highlights?The HF method did not know a period of stagnation ensuing its elaboration.?The view that all started with computers is only true to a certain extent.?The method directly contributed to the quantum many-body formalism.?The method favored a conceptual clarification of quantum exchange.?Considerations on the HF method participated in clarifying quantum mechanics.]]>