The absorption spectrum of an electron solvated in sodalite

We use a simple model to study the color change taking place when sodium atoms are absorbed in the zeolite sodalite. The Hamiltonian is that of an electron moving in the electrostatic field created by the ions in the zeolite framework and by the alkali ion core. We examine the sensitivity of the absorption spectrum on the magnitude of framework charges, the orientation of the Na4 cluster in the sodalite cells, the localization of the electron, the nature of the alkali impurity (Li, Na, K), and the laser polarization. Comparisons with the experiment help decide which framework charge models are consistent with the absorption spectrum.