Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
The potential-energy curve of the lowest 1Σu+ state of He2 is computed in a valence bond scheme using a 17-term wavefunction of Slater orbitals. A maximum in the potential curve occurs at 5.22 a0 with a computed height of 0.153 eV. A rigorous upper bound of 0.364 eV is found for the potential maximum. The rationalized dissociation energy for the best wavefunction is 1.719 eV at Re=2.11 a0, and a rigorous lower bound on the dissociation energy is 1.508 eV.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Scott et al. (1966) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 10 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: