Muonic atoms testing the electron propagator of quantum electrodynamics and the Higgs boson contribution

Abstract

In this work we consider the energy states of muonic atoms which are predominantly influenced by vacuum polarization. This fact is used for testing the electron propagator of QED with the modification $$S(p) = (\not p - me)^{ - 1} + f(\not p - M)^{ - 1}$$ . The data of some well analyzed transitions in muonic He, Si, Ba, and Pb yield the limit M>29 MeV for f=1. Similarly the presence of a Higgs boson would cause a shift of the energy levels which can be measured easier in muonic atoms since the coupling grows with the fermion mass. The analysis of several transitions in heavy muonic atoms shows, that the mass of the Higgs boson is larger than 12.8 MeV. Further reductions of the present-day uncertainties concerning the experimental data and especially of the nuclear structure effects could improve these limits.