Irreducible tensor form of three-particle operator for open-shell atoms

A three-particle operator in a second quantized form is studied systematically and comprehensively. The operator is transformed into irreducible tensor form. Possible coupling schemes, identified by the classes of symmetric group S6, are presented. Recoupling coefficients that make it possible to transform a given scheme into another are produced by using the angular momentum theory combined with quasispin formalism. The classification of the three-particle operator which acts on n = 1, 2,..., 6 open shells of equivalent electrons of atom is considered. The procedure to construct three-particle matrix elements are examined.