Lamb Shift in Muonic Hydrogen -- I. Verification and Update of Theoretical Predictions

Author

Ulrich D. Jentschura, Missouri University of Science and TechnologyFollow

Abstract

In view of the recently observed discrepancy of theory and experiment for muonic hydrogen [R. Pohl et al., Nature 466 (2010) 213], we reexamine the theory on which the quantum electrodynamic (QED) predictions are based. In particular, we update the theory of the 2P-2S Lamb shift, by calculating the self-energy of the bound muon in the full Coulomb+vacuum polarization (Uehling) potential. We also investigate the relativistic two-body corrections to the vacuum polarization shift, and we analyze the influence of the shape of the nuclear charge distribution on the proton radius determination. The uncertainty associated with the third Zemach moment 〈r3〉2 in the determination of the proton radius from the measurement is estimated. An updated theoretical prediction for the 2S-2P transition is given.

Recommended Citation

U. D. Jentschura, "Lamb Shift in Muonic Hydrogen -- I. Verification and Update of Theoretical Predictions," Annalys of Physics, Elsevier, Feb 2011.

The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aop.2010.11.012

Department(s)

Physics

Sponsor(s)

National Institute of Standards and Technology (U.S.). Precision Measurement Grant
National Science Foundation (U.S.)

Keywords and Phrases

QED Calculations of Level Energies; Relativistic and Quantum Electrodynamic (QED) Effects in Atoms-Molecules-And Ions; Specific Calculations; Quantum electrodynamics

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2011 Elsevier, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Feb 2011