| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/R89059/01 |
| Title: |
He+:the most powerful probe of bound-state QED |
| Principal Investigator: |
Boshier, Dr M G |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Researcher Co-Investigators: |
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| Department: |
Physics and Astronomy |
| Organisation: |
University of Sussex |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research (Pre-FEC) |
| Starts: |
15 May 2002 |
Ends: |
14 May 2004 |
Value (£): |
120,570
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Light-Matter Interactions |
Scattering & Spectroscopy |
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| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
| No relevance to Underpinning Sectors |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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He+ is a 1-electron atom whose energy intervals are predicted theoretically from first principles using quantum electrodynamics (QED). Thus a measurement of the energy intervals of this atom can be a direct test of the validity of i::umd-state QED. Our experiment provides a way i,) achieve such high precision that it serves as a critical test of the fundamental theory. Precise measurements in hydrogen are unable to compete beca~; -,e of uncertair)t- in the proton size, while in heavier ions the interpretation Is limited by uncertainty in the nuclear structure. Supported by a previous EPSRC grant we h,: . ,~ already built the three necessary ingredients of the experiment. These are (i) a highly stable 3W intra-cavity light field at 328nm, (ii) an intense, mom,,:nergetic, He+(2s) beam, and (Iii) a precise 65(jnm frequency standard. This proposal is to brthe three working parts together to observe and me :cure the 2s-3s interval precisely enough to provide the most stringent test of bound-state QED ;: ;',e world.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.sussex.ac.uk |