A method is presented for computing valence atomic wave functions and transition probabilities. This method, called the "nodal boundary condition method", is a modified self-consistent-field approach to eliminate the need for calculating wave functions for the core electrons, wave functions, and transition probabilities for several atoms and ions having two valence electrons.
Various other approaches to the problem of calculating atomic wave functions are reviewed, so that the assumptions and approximations of the nodal boundary condition method may be placed in perspective. The results of the present calculations are compared in detail with previous results whenever possible applications and extensions of the method are briefly discussed.
