Fundamental Constants and Tests of Theory in Rydberg States of One-Electron Ions

Abstract

The nature of the theory of circular Rydberg states of hydrogen-like ions allows highly accurate predictions to be made for energy levels. In particular, uncertainties arising from the problematic nuclear size correction which beset low angular-momentum states are negligibly small for the high angular-momentum states. The largest remaining source of uncertainty can be addressed with the help of quantum electrodynamics calculations, including a new nonperturbative result reported here. More stringent tests of theory and an improved determination of the Rydberg constant may be possible if predictions can be compared with precision frequency measurements in this regime. The diversity of information can be increased by utilizing a variety of combinations of ions and Ryberg states to determine fundamental constants and test theory.

Department(s)

Physics

Keywords and Phrases

Accurate Prediction; Electron Ions; Energy Level; Fundamental Constants; Hydrogenlike Ion; Nonperturbative; Precision Frequency; Quantum Electrodynamics Calculations; Rydberg Constant; Stringent Test; Electrodynamics; Forecasting; Quantum Electronics; Rydberg States

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

0953-4075

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2010 IOP Publishing, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Jan 2010

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