High precision hyperfine measurements in Bismuth challenge bound-state strong-field QED.

ABSTRACT: Electrons bound in highly charged heavy ions such as hydrogen-like bismuth ²⁰⁹Bi⁸²⁺ experience electromagnetic fields that are a million times stronger than in light atoms. Measuring the wavelength of light emitted and absorbed by these ions is therefore a sensitive testing ground for quantum electrodynamical (QED) effects and especially the electron-nucleus interaction under such extreme conditions. However, insufficient knowledge of the nuclear structure has prevented a rigorous test of strong-field QED. Here we present a measurement of the so-called specific difference between the hyperfine splittings in hydrogen-like and lithium-like bismuth ²⁰⁹Bi^82+,80+ with a precision that is improved by more than an order of magnitude. Even though this qu

SUBMITTER: Ullmann J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5440849 | biostudies-literature | 2017 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature