Hyperfine splitting of $2^3S_1$ state in He$^3$

Preprint
Abstract
Relativistic corrections to the hyperfine splitting are calculated for the triplet $2^3S_1$ state of the helium isotope He$^3$. High precision variational wave functions are employed, where the electron-electron correlations are well accounted for. Due to the unknown nuclear structure a comparison with the experimental result is performed via He$^{3+}$ hyperfine splitting. Surprisingly, the second order contribution due to Fermi interaction, in spite of the additional small factor $m/M$, is very significant.