Testing Quantum Electrodynamics with Exotic Atoms

Precision study of few-electron, high-Z ions is a privileged field for probing high-field, bound-state quantum electrodynamics (BSQED). However, the accuracy of such tests is plagued by nuclear uncertainties, which are often larger than the BSQED effects under investigation. We propose an alternative method with exotic atoms and show that transitions may be found between circular Rydberg states where nuclear contributions are vanishing while BSQED effects remain large. When probed with newly available quantum sensing detectors, these systems offer gains in sensitivity of 1 to 2 orders of magnitude, while the mean electric field largely exceeds the Schwinger limit.

Automated summary

The study proposes an alternative method using exotic atoms to minimize nuclear uncertainties and maximize BSQED effects by identifying transitions between circular Rydberg states. These systems offer a sensitivity gain of 1 to 2 orders of magnitude when probed with newly available quantum sensing detectors, surpassing the Schwinger limit in average electric field.