The recently introduced technique of constructing finite basis sets from B-splines for use in atomic-physics calculations is applied to the alkali-metal atoms Li, Na, K, Rb, and Cs. Valence energies are calculated within the framework of many-body perturbation theory to second order, and corrections to hyperfine splitting and transition matrix elements to third order in the approximation that a dominant subset of the terms in this order, associated with Brueckner orbitals, is evaluated. Agreement with experiment at the 1% level is found for all of the atoms considered. Comparisons are made with other calculations, and a short discussion of the systematic extension of this work is given.

• Received 17 November 1986

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.35.3218