Density matrix methods in orbital optimization for MCSCF calculations

The problem considered is that of selecting the finite orbital basis which will minimize the energy in a given size CI calculation. (1) A one-body operator is defined which has as eigenfunctions the desired optimal basis. The operator is defined in terms of the basis which leads to a self-consistency problem of Hartree-Fock type. (2) A method of successive orbital rotations is defined which is shown to have desirable convergence properties.