A quantum mechanical variational treatment based on a simple Heitler-London wave function is used to describe the various properties of Van der Waals solids at 0°K. The effects of nuclear motion on the cohesive energy, volume, compressibility, sound velocity, etc., are discussed. These effects can be expressed in the form of a power series in $\hslash$, of which we show the first term, linear in $\hslash$, explicitly. The results are in good agreement with the available experimental data for all solidified inert gases, except for He to which the present method is not applicable.

• Received 22 June 1960

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRev.120.807