Fundamental Constants and Tests of Theory in Rydberg States of Hydrogenlike Ions

Author

Ulrich D. Jentschura, Missouri University of Science and TechnologyFollow
Peter J. Mohr
Joseph Tan
Benedikt J. Wundt

Abstract

A comparison of precision frequency measurements to quantum electrodynamic (QED) theoretical predictions can be used to test theory and to obtain information regarding fundamental constants. We find that for Rydberg states, theoretical uncertainties due to the problematic nuclear size correction are very small. With the help of QED calculations, the largest remaining source of uncertainty can be eliminated. Theoretical predictions, taking advantage of the latest theoretical results, in combination with planned experiments, can lead to an improved value for the Rydberg constant.

Recommended Citation

U. D. Jentschura et al., "Fundamental Constants and Tests of Theory in Rydberg States of Hydrogenlike Ions," Canadian Journal of Physics, vol. 87, no. 7, pp. 757 - 762, National Research Council of Canada, Jan 2009.

The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1139/P08-118

Department(s)

Physics

Keywords and Phrases

Fundamental Constants; Hydrogenlike Ion; Precision Frequency; QED Calculation; Quantum Electrodynamics; Rydberg Constant; Theoretical Prediction; Theoretical Result; Forecasting; Quantum Electronics; Rydberg States

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

0008-4204

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2009 National Research Council of Canada, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Jan 2009