Autoionization States ofLi−andNa−

A multiconfiguration Hartree-Fock method has been used to compute low-lying autoionization states of ${\mathrm{Li}}^{-}$ and ${\mathrm{Na}}^{-}$. The electron-detachment potentials for these systems have also been computed and agree well with a similar calculation by Weiss. The present formulation permits a simple construction of projection operators used in determining autoionization states for $e^{-}$-alkali-atom systems. For ${\mathrm{Li}}^{-}$ three autoionization states have been found below the $1s^{2}3p$- level and four below the $1s^{2}3p$ level. Only one autoionization state is found for ${\mathrm{Na}}^{-}$.