New Theoretical Value for the Lamb Shift

Abstract

Calculations have been made for the leading orders of alpha ( alpha Z)/ sup 6//n/sup 2/( alpha Z) and alpha ( alpha Z)/sup 6//n( alpha Z). Theoretical and ex perimental values of the Lamb shift in Mc/sec for H, D, and He/sup +/ are tabulated. The method used in the calculation is the free-propagator expansion, the algebraic expansion of the bound electron propagator or Green's functions in powers of the Coulomb potential. A presenthtion is given of the calculated results for arbitrary bound states and in particular for the 1S, 2S, 2P/sub 1/2/, and 2P/sub 3/2/. Details of the calculations of the two new orders are to be published, with more general results of a mathematical nature concerning properties of the free-propagator expansion connected with an expansion of self- energy in orders of ( alpha Z). (B.O.G.)