The electronic structure of the layer compound Pb${\mathrm{I}}_2$ is calculated within the framework of the empirical pseudopotential method. Spin-orbit interactions were necessarily included to explain experimental reflectivity measurements. Using the pseudo-wave-functions, electronic charge densities were computed. They are discussed in terms of the nature of the chemical bonding for Pb${\mathrm{I}}_2$.

• Received 11 October 1973

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.9.1652