Relativistic calculations of atomic structure

This paper is intended to give a review on relativistic atomic structure calculations [1] with emphasis on the Multiconfigurational-Dirac-Foek method, Dr Crossley has summarized in his preeeeding paper most of the non-relativistic methods whieh lead to good binding energies and transition probabilities. Both quantities are espeeially important in astrophysies and plasma physies. Sinee relativistie effeets beeome inereasingly important with inereasing Z, I would like to concentrate first on a discussion of the differences between non-relativistic and relativistie ealeulations whieh ean be best illustrated in the oneeleetron ease. To deseribe the many eleetron atomie system the ansatz for the wavefunetion and the resulting relativistic Multiconfiguration-Dirac-Fock (MCDF) procedure is discussed as a seeond point. In the last part the problems of this method its defficieneies as well as the additional eontributions whieh go beyond the MCDF picture are diseussed.