Wave Functions Derived by Quantum Modeling of the Electron Density from Coherent X-Ray Diffraction: Beryllium Metal

A single-determinant experimental Be hybrid-atom wave function is obtained by the quantum formalism of Clinton and Massa, from Larsen and Hansen's single-crystal x-ray diffraction data. Physical properties calculable from this wave function are unobtainable from current methods of diffraction analysis. The least-squares fit using all experimental data gives an $R$ factor of 0.0018, and quantitatively describes charge redistribution due to crystal bonding in agreement with ab initio calculations.