The generalized seniority scheme has long been proposed as a means of
dramatically reducing the dimensionality of nuclear shell model calculations,
when strong pairing correlations are present. However, systematic benchmark
calculations, comparing results obtained in a model space truncated according
to generalized seniority with those obtained in the full shell model space, are
required to assess the viability of this scheme. Here, a detailed comparison is
carried out, for semimagic nuclei taken in a full major shell and with
realistic interactions. The even-mass and odd-mass Ca isotopes are treated in
the generalized seniority scheme, for generalized seniority v<=3. Results for
level energies, orbital occupations, and electromagnetic observables are
compared with those obtained in the full shell model space.Comment: 13 pages, 8 figures; published in Phys. Rev.
