Photoabsorption cross section of the Thomas-Fermi atom

The photoabsorption cross section σ(ω) and the distribution of oscillator strengths df/dω [these values are related as σ=(2π²e²/mc)(df/dω)] were determined for an atom with a large Z value using the semiclassical approach. These values were found for low frequencies with the use of the Vlasov kinetic equations, which were numerically solved by the method of particles. The asymptotic behavior of the distribution of oscillator strengths at high frequencies was determined by semiclassical equations for the photoabsorption cross section of electron shells in a Coulomb potential. The asymptotic equations were used to suggest an interpolation equation for the distribution of oscillator strengths over the whole Thomas-Fermi frequency range 27 eV ? ?ω ? 27Z² eV. This equation was used to calculate the logarithmic mean excitation energy, which appears in problems of ionization loss of charged particles. The distribution of oscillator strengths in a neutral atom allows the radiative properties of dense matter to be determined.