Comparative variational studies of 0+ states in three-α models Original Research Article

Three variational approaches, the hyperspherical-harmonics, Gaussian-basis and Lagrange-mesh methods involving different coordinate systems, are compared in studies of 0+ bound-state energies in 3α models. Calculations are performed with different versions of the shallow Ali–Bodmer potential (with and without Coulomb) and with the deep Buck–Friedrich–Wheatley potential. All three methods yield very accurate energies. Their advantages and drawbacks are evaluated. The implications of the disagreement between the obtained results and the experimental 12C energies in 3α models with Coulomb interaction are discussed.