Fixed-node errors in real space quantum Monte Carlo at high densities: Closed-shell atomic correlation energies

Abstract

We consider non-relativistic electron correlation energies of heavy noble gas atoms including the superheavy element Og. The corresponding data enables us to quantify fixed-node errors in real space quantum Monte Carlo methods as a function of the atomic number $Z$. We confirm that single-reference trial function nodes lead to an overall trend of mild decrease in recovered correlation energy with the increasing $Z$. This agrees with our previous study that has shown increasing fixed-node biases with the increasing electron density. We also estimate the value of the linear term in the asymptotic expansion of the atomic correlation energy.