The multi-state CASPT2 method

Abstract An extension of the multiconfigurational second-order perturbation approach CASPT2 is suggested, where several electronic states are coupled at second order via an effective-Hamiltonian approach. The method has been implemented into the MOLCAS-4 program system, where it will replace the single-state CASPT2 program. The accuracy of the method is illustrated through calculations of the ionic-neutral avoided crossing in the potential curves for LiF and of the valence-Rydberg mixing in the V-state of the ethylene molecule.