Collaborative Research: Laser Spectroscopy of Hydrogenic and Heliumlike Ions

Florida State University, Tallahassee FL

Investigators

Abstract

The scientific aim of this collaborative project is to carry out precise measurements of certain transition energies between the n=2 levels on intermediate Z hydrogen-like and helium-like ions. The measurements will test quantum electrodynamic calculations, particularly of higher-order binding corrections, in one- and two-electron systems. The work has relevance to the interpretation of precision spectroscopy of hydrogen and helium and hence to obtaining values for the Rydberg constant and the fine structure constant. The method to be used involves laser spectroscopy of fast, foil-stripped ion beams from the Florida State Van de Graaff accelerator. The work will involve graduate and undergraduate students from Florida State and Florida A&M Universities.