Exceptional points in the spectra of atoms in external fields

Abstract

We investigate exceptional points, which are branch-point singularities of two resonance eigenstates, in spectra of the hydrogen atom in crossed external electric and magnetic fields. A procedure to systematically search for exceptional points is presented, and their existence is proven. The properties of the branch-point singularities are discussed with effective low-dimensional matrix models, their relation with avoided level crossings is analyzed, and their influence on dipole matrix elements and the photoionization cross section is investigated. Furthermore, the rare case of a connection between three resonances almost forming a triple degeneracy in the form of a cubic-root branch point is discussed.