We investigate the structure of (${\mathrm{Na}}_{19}$${)}_2$-cluster dimers via solution of the Kohn-Sham equations for a two-center jellium model. Results for the binding energy of the dimer as a function of the intercluster separation as well as the electronic correlation diagram of the (${\mathrm{Na}}_{19}$${)}_2$ system are presented. In contrast to previous results, our calculations indicate that the barrier which separates a local minimum in the binding energy at an intercluster separation of about 15 a.u. from the absolute minimum, the united ${\mathrm{Na}}_{38}$ cluster, is rather small.

• Received 12 February 1993

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.48.1862