The Breit equation as a zeroth-order approximation for calculation of the bound-state energy

An equation whose kernel is determined by the one-photon exchange between interacting particles is analyzed in the framework of the Bethe-Salpeter formalism. This equation is considered as a zeroth-order approximation in the calculation of the corrections to the energy levels. This is the Breit equation that takes into account additional small terms (with respect to the parameter (Zα)²). A procedure that employs the Brillouin-Wigner perturbation theory and makes it possible to sequentially take into account the corrections to the energy levels is considered.