Abstract
Theoretical and semiempirical predictions of fine-structure intervals for the lowest P terms in the Cu, Zn, Ga, and Br sequences are presented for all ions with Z≤92. Through the use of screening parameter reductions of both the existing data base and the ab initio multiconfiguration Dirac-Fock computations reported herein, a new empirical decomposition has been discovered that permits measurements for the Cu sequence to be combined with theoretical computations to make precise predictions for the Zn, Ga, and Br sequences. These predictions are of higher precision than could be obtained solely by ab initio methods, and extend to much higher Z than semiempirical extrapolations alone would permit. These results provide insights into the interaction of the active and core electrons, and test a method that is applicable to many other systems.