Quantum Electrodynamic Effects Research Articles

Precision investigations of clock transitions and metastable lifetimes in highly charged Te-like ions

This study utilizes the multi-configuration Dirac-Hartree-Fock method to accurately calculate the lifetime and atomic parameters for the metastable state S01 of the 5s25p4 configuration, pertinent to clock transitions in Te-like highly charged ions. We systematically account for Valence–Valence, Core-Valence, and Core-Core electron correlations, alongside Breit interaction and quantum electrodynamics effects. Addressing the contingency problem regarding the lifetime of metastable state S01 of Xe2+ ion, as highlighted by E.Träbert (Phys. Scr. 85, 048101, 2012, https://doi.org/10.1088/0031-8949/85/04/048101) and K.G.Bhushan et al. (Phys. Rev A, 62, 012504, 2000, https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.62.012504) in early experiments and theories, we present theoretically calculated lifetime results. Our reasonable electron correlation model predicts a lifetime of 4.44 ms, which agrees with the experimentally measured lifetime of 4.46 ± 0.08 ms. Furthermore, we investigate the energy level crossing between 3P0 and 3P1 in Te-like systems near atomic number Z=52, where 3P→03P2 transition serves as a clock transition. We have calculated the atomic parameters related to the clock transition and hope that these results will provide valuable insights for the development of future highly charge ion clocks.

Relativistic and quantum electrodynamics effects on NMR shielding tensors of TlX (X = H, F, Cl, Br, I, At) molecules.

The results of relativistic calculations of nuclear magnetic resonance shielding tensors (σ) for the thallium monocation (Tl+), thallium hydride (TlH), and thallium halides (TlF, TlCl, TlBr, TlI, and TlAt) are presented as obtained within a four-component polarization propagator formalism and a two-component linear response approach within the zeroth-order regular approximation. In addition to a detailed analysis of relativistic effects performed in this work, some quantum electrodynamical (QED) effects on those nuclear magnetic resonance shieldings and other small contributions are estimated. A strong dependence of σ(Tl) on the bonding partner is found, together with a very weak dependence of QED effects with them. In order to explain the trends observed, the excitation patterns associated with relativistic ee (or paramagnetic-like) and pp (or diamagnetic-like) contributions to σ are analyzed. For this purpose, the electronic spin-free and spin-dependent contributions are separated within the two-component zeroth-order regular approximation, and the influence of spin-orbit coupling on involved molecular orbitals is studied, which allows for a thorough understanding of the underlying mechanisms.

Cavity Controlled Upconversion in CdSe Nanoplatelet Polaritons.

Exciton-polaritons provide a versatile platform for investigating quantum electrodynamics effects in chemical systems, such as polariton-altered chemical reactivity. However, using polaritons in chemical contexts will require a better understanding of their photophysical properties under ambient conditions, where chemistry is typically performed. Here, we used cavity quality factor to control strong light-matter interactions and in particular the excited state dynamics of colloidal CdSe nanoplatelets (NPLs) coupled to a Fabry-Pérot optical cavity. With increasing cavity quality factor, we observe significant population of the upper polariton (UP) state, exemplified by the rare observation of substantial UP photoluminescence (PL). Excitation of the lower polariton (LP) states results in upconverted PL emission from the UP branch due to efficient exchange of population between the LP, UP and the reservoir of dark states present in collectively coupled polaritonic systems. In addition, we measure time scales for polariton dynamics ∼100 ps, implying great potential for NPL based polariton systems to affect photochemical reaction rates. State-of-the-art quantum dynamical simulations show outstanding quantitative agreement with experiments, and thus provide important insight into polariton photophysical dynamics of collectively coupled nanocrystal-based systems. These findings represent a significant step toward the development of practical polariton photochemistry platforms.

Time-Dependent Effective Hamiltonians for Light-Matter Interactions.

In this paper, we present a systematic approach to building useful time-dependent effective Hamiltonians in molecular quantum electrodynamics. The method is based on considering part of the system as an open quantum system and choosing a convenient unitary transformation based on the evolution operator. We illustrate our formalism by obtaining four Hamiltonians, each suitable to a different class of applications. We show that we may treat several effects of molecular quantum electrodynamics with a direct first-order perturbation theory. In addition, our effective Hamiltonians shed light on interesting physical aspects that are not explicit when employing more standard approaches. As applications, we discuss three examples: two-photon spontaneous emission, resonance energy transfer, and dispersion interactions.

Accurate ab initio calculation and neural network prediction of the atomic properties of Os LXXIII, Ir LXXIV, Pt LXXV, and Au LXXVI

In this paper, we present an ab initio theoretical calculation of the atomic parameters, including energy levels, wavelengths, lifetimes, and transition parameters, associated with the 1s22snl and 1s22pnl (n= 2–4, l≤n−1) configurations of Be-like sequence: Os LXXIII, Ir LXXIV, Pt LXXV, and Au LXXVI. Our analysis is based on the relativistic wavefunctions derived from the multi-configuration Dirac–Fock (MCDF) method, which are implemented in the relativistic atomic structure package GRASP2018. The correlations within the (principal quantum number) n= 10 complex are accounted for. The Breit interaction and quantum electrodynamical effects are added in the relativistic configuration interaction (RCI) calculation. Our results are compared with the existing data. The uncertainties of the dipole transition line strengths are assessed. In addition, we propose a feed forward neural network to predict the energy levels of Au LXXVI. This is a powerful machine learning tool capable of learning from existing data and predicting unknown data. The network is trained using theoretical energy levels of Os LXXIII, Ir LXXIV, and Pt LXXV obtained from the MCDF method. Our neural network exhibits average relative deviations of approximately 0.01% and 0.02% for trained and predicted energy levels, respectively, when compared to the MCDF results. This level of deviation suggests that our results are reasonably accurate. The data set presented in this study is useful for modeling fusion plasmas.

Controlling the frequencies of photons emitted by a single quantum dot in a one-dimensional photonic crystal

Subject of study. A single InAs quantum dot in a one-dimensional photonic crystal based on GaAs is examined. Aim of study. The aim of this study is to develop a method for controlling photon emission frequencies from a single quantum dot within a one-dimensional photonic crystal based on changes in the electromagnetic mass of an electron in the photonic crystal medium. Method. The proposed approach leverages the effect of changing the electromagnetic mass of an electron in the photonic crystal medium, manifesting as corrections to electron energy levels depending on the optical density of the medium. To control this density, the injection of free charge carriers and the quadratic electro-optic Kerr effect are proposed. Main results. The feasibility of in situ control of photon emission frequencies from a quantum dot was demonstrated using quantum transitions between the p- and s-states of a hydrogen-like InAs quantum dot situated in the air voids of a one-dimensional GaAs photonic crystal. This control is achieved through the effect of changing the electromagnetic mass of an electron, as well as tuning the refractive index of the photonic crystal via free charge carrier injection and the electro-optic Kerr effect. Calculations indicate that the photon energy control range available in experiments is limited to several tens of microelectronvolts, restricting practical applicability, and the observed displacement effect is smaller than experimentally recorded values. However, the energy level displacement, influenced by the quantum electrodynamic effect under investigation, exhibits a quadratic dependence on the refractive index of the material forming the photonic crystal. Consequently, the method is expected to scale significantly with increasing optical density. Such photonic crystals could be constructed using metamaterials with a high refractive index. Practical significance. The findings of this study, centered on developing a method for controlling photon emission frequencies from a single quantum dot in a one-dimensional photonic crystal, lay the groundwork for photon-emitter interfaces. These interfaces will incorporate key quantum functionalities, including photonic qubits, single-photon light sources, and nonlinear quantum photon-photon gates.

Relativistic calculations of energy levels, lifetimes, transition parameters, and electron impact excitation cross sections for Kr XIX

In this study, we present a detailed analysis of atomic properties for Kr XIX, specifically focusing on the lowest 128 fine-structure levels originating from the 3s23p6, 3s23p53d, 3s3p63d and 3s23p43d2 configurations. We report energy levels, lifetimes, wavelengths, weighted oscillator strengths, and transition probabilities for multipole transition types (E1, E2, M1, and M2). To achieve this, we employed the GRASP2018 code, which implements the fully relativistic multiconfigurational Dirac–Hartree–Fock method and accounts for Breit interaction and quantum electrodynamic effects. We performed another set of calculations using the many-body perturbation theory implemented in the flexible atomic code (FAC). By comparing the results obtained from GRASP2018 and FAC, we established the accuracy and consistency of our calculations. Furthermore, using the relativistic distorted wave theory, we studied electron impact excitation of all transitions to upper levels from the ground and metastable levels and reported excitation cross sections for incident electron energies up to 5 keV. To enhance the practical utility of our findings, we also provided analytical fittings of these cross sections and excitation rate coefficients for their applications in plasma modeling. This work contributes to the atomic properties and excitation cross sections of Kr XIX, addressing a marked gap in the available atomic data.

The Landé g factors of highly charged Sn47+ and Bi80+ ions

The wavefunctions and eigenvalues of the ground states of Sn47+, and Bi80+ ions are calculated using the fully relativistic multiconfiguration Dirac-Hartree–Fock (MCDHF) method. Detailed investigation are carried out to study the effects of electron correlation, Breit interaction, quantum electrodynamics (QED), and nuclear recoil. Based on these calculations, the theoretical predictions for the g factors of the ground states of Sn47+ and Bi80+ ions are 1.980429 and 1.934759, respectively. The accuracy of these calculations is expected to be on the order of 10−5.

Integrals for relativistic nonadiabatic energies of H2 in an exponential basis

Accurate predictions for hydrogen molecular levels require the treatment of electrons and nuclei on equal footing. While nonrelativistic theory has been effectively formulated this way, calculation of relativistic and quantum electrodynamic effects using an exponential basis with explicit correlations that ensure well-controlled numerical precision is much more challenging. In this work, we derive a complete set of integrals for the relativistic correction and demonstrate their application to several of the lowest rovibrational levels. Together with similar advancements for quantum electrodynamic corrections, this will improve the accuracy beyond 10−9 and hopefully explain discrepancies with recent experimental values. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Control of the Purcell effect via unexcited atoms and exceptional points

We examine the possible control of the celebrated Purcell effect in cavity quantum electrodynamics. We demonstrate that the presence of an unexcited atom can significantly alter the Purcell decay depending on the strength of coupling of the unexcited atom with the cavity mode though the excited atom has to be weakly coupled for it to be in the Purcell regime. This cooperative behavior is distinct from the nonradiative nature of the singlet state which is an entangled state of the two-atom system. We present a physical interpretation for inhibition as due to interference between two polariton channels of decay. For specific values of the parameters, we bring out a connection to exceptional points in the cavity QED system as the unexcited atom and cavity mode can produce a second-order exceptional point. We further show how two unexcited atoms can create a third-order exceptional point leading to inhibition of the Purcell effect. We also discuss the case when the Purcell effect can be enhanced. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Giant Quantum Electrodynamic Effects on Single SiV Color Centers in Nanosized Diamonds.

Understanding and mastering quantum electrodynamics phenomena is essential to the development of quantum nanophotonics applications. While tailoring of the local vacuum field has been widely used to tune the luminescence rate and directionality of a quantum emitter, its impact on their transition energies is barely investigated and exploited. Fluorescent defects in nanosized diamonds constitute an attractive nanophotonic platform to investigate the Lamb shift of an emitter embedded in a dielectric nanostructure with high refractive index. Using spectral and time-resolved optical spectroscopy of single SiV defects, we unveil blue shifts (up to 80 meV) of their emission lines, which are interpreted from model calculations as giant Lamb shifts. Moreover, evidence for a positive correlation between their fluorescence decay rates and emission line widths is observed, as a signature of modifications not only of the photonic local density of states but also of the phononic one, as the nanodiamond size is decreased. Correlative light-electron microscopy of single SiVs and their host nanodiamonds further supports these findings. These results make nanodiamond-SiVs promising as optically driven spin qubits and quantum light sources tunable through nanoscale tailoring of vacuum-field fluctuations.

Testing quantum electrodynamics in extreme fields using helium-like uranium

Quantum electrodynamics (QED), the quantum field theory that describes the interaction between light and matter, is commonly regarded as the best-tested quantum theory in modern physics. However, this claim is mostly based on extremely precise studies performed in the domain of relatively low field strengths and light atoms and ions1–6. In the realm of very strong electromagnetic fields such as in the heaviest highly charged ions (with nuclear charge Z ≫ 1), QED calculations enter a qualitatively different, non-perturbative regime. Yet, the corresponding experimental studies are very challenging, and theoretical predictions are only partially tested. Here we present an experiment sensitive to higher-order QED effects and electron–electron interactions in the high-Z regime. This is achieved by using a multi-reference method based on Doppler-tuned X-ray emission from stored relativistic uranium ions with different charge states. The energy of the 1s1/22p3/2 J = 2 → 1s1/22s1/2 J = 1 intrashell transition in the heaviest two-electron ion (U90+) is obtained with an accuracy of 37 ppm. Furthermore, a comparison of uranium ions with different numbers of bound electrons enables us to disentangle and to test separately the one-electron higher-order QED effects and the bound electron–electron interaction terms without the uncertainty related to the nuclear radius. Moreover, our experimental result can discriminate between several state-of-the-art theoretical approaches and provides an important benchmark for calculations in the strong-field domain.

Experimental and theoretical research progress of <sup>2</sup>P<sub>1/2 </sub> – <sup>2</sup>P<sub>3/2</sub> transitions of highly charged boron-like ions

The precise measurement of the fine structure and radiative transition properties of highly charged ions (HCI) is essential for testing fundamental physical models, including strong-field quantum electrodynamics (QED) effects, electron correlation effects, relativistic effects, and nuclear effects. These measurements also provide critical atomic physics parameters for astrophysics and fusion plasma physics. Compared with the extensively studied hydrogen-like and lithium-like ion systems, boron-like ions exhibit significant contributions in terms of relativistic and QED effects in their fine structure forbidden transitions. High-precision experimental measurements and theoretical calculations of these systems provide important avenues for further testing fundamental physical models in multi-electron systems. Additionally, boron-like ions are considered promising candidates for HCI optical clocks. This paper presents the latest advancements in experimental and theoretical research on the ground state <sup>2</sup>P<sub>3/2</sub>—<sup>2</sup>P<sub>1/2</sub> transition in boron-like ions, and summarizes the current understanding of their fine and hyperfine structures. It also discusses a proposed experimental setup for measuring the hyperfine splitting of boron-like ions by using an electron beam ion trap combined with high-resolution spectroscopy. This proposal aims to provide a reference for future experimental research on the hyperfine splitting of boron-like ions, to test the QED effects with higher precision, extract the radius of nuclear magnetization distribution, and validate relevant nuclear structure models.

МОЛЕКУЛЯРНЫЙ ИОН ВОДОРОДА𝑯𝟐+. МАГНИТНЫЕ M1 ПЕРЕХОДЫ

The magnetic dipole transitions in the homonuclear molecular ion 𝐻2+are obtained for a range ofand L, vibrational and total orbital momentum quantum numbers, respectively. Calculations are performed in the nonrelativistic approximation. The effects of the ion spin structure on M1 transitions are also considered. Numerical calculations were carried out on the basis of “exponential” variational expansion. One of the simplest and most fully developed areas of application of quantum mechanics is the theory of atoms with one or two electrons. For hydrogen and hydrogen-like ions, calculations can be performed strictly in both Schrödinger's non-relativistic wave mechanics and Dirac's relativistic electron theory. The exact calculations are rigorous for an electron at a fixed Coulomb potential. Therefore, the hydrogen-like atom provides an excellent material for testing the validity of quantum mechanics. For such an atom, the correction terms that take into account the motion and structure of the atomic nucleus, as well as quantum electrodynamic effects, are small and can be calculated with great accuracy. Since the energy levels of hydrogen and hydrogen-like atoms can be experimentally studied with anamazing degree of accuracy, it turns out that it is possible to test the correctness of quantum electrodynamics to some extent accurately.

Precise measurements of electron <i>g</i> factors in bound states of few-electron ions

<sec>The electron <i>g</i> factor is an important fundamental structural parameter in atomic physics, as it reveals various mechanisms of interactions between electrons and external fields. Precise measurements of <i>g</i> factors of bound electrons in simple atomic and molecular systems provide an effective method for investigating the bound-state quantum electrodynamics (QED) theory. Especially in highly-charged heavy ions (HCIs), the strong electromagnetic interactions between the nuclei and inner-shell electrons provide unique opportunities to test QED under extremely strong fields. Accurate measurements of the <i>g</i> factors of the bound-state electrons are also important for determining nuclear effects, nuclear parameters and fundamental constants. The research on <i>g</i> factors of the bound-state electrons has become a frontier topic in fundamental physics. A Penning trap, which uses steady-state electromagnetic fields to confine charged particles, is utilized to precisely measure the <i>g</i> factor. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the experiments on <i>g</i> factors for few-electron simple systems in Penning traps, including experimental principles, experimental setups, measurement methods, and a summary of important research findings. The physical concept of the electron <i>g</i> factor and its historical research background are introduced. The electron <i>g</i> factor is considered as an effective probe to study higher-order QED effects. Through high-precision measurements of the free electron g factor, discrepancies between the fine-structure constants and other experimental results in atomic physics are identified. Notably, the <i>g</i> factor of the 1s electron in HCIs deviates significantly from the value for free electrons as the atomic number increases. Experimental principles, including the principle of the Penning trap and the principle of measuring the bound-state electron <i>g</i> factors are discussed. A double-trap experiment setup and related precision measurement techniques are also introduced.</sec><sec>This paper reviews several milestone experiments including (1) the stringent test of bound-state QED by precise measurement of bound-state electron <i>g</i> factor of a <sup>118</sup>Sn<sup>49+</sup> ion, (2) measurement of the <i>g</i> factors of lithium-like and boron-like ions and their applications, and (3) measurement of the <i>g</i>-factor isotope shift by using an advanced two-ion balance technique in the Penning trap, providing an insight into the QED effects in nuclear recoil. Finally, this paper summarizes the challenges currently faced in measuring the <i>g</i> factors of bound-state electrons in few-electron ion systems and provides the prospects for the future developments of this field.</sec>

Optical coupling of individual air-suspended carbon nanotubes to silicon microcavities.

Carbon nanotubes are a telecom band emitter compatible with silicon photonics, and when coupled to microcavities, they present opportunities for exploiting quantum electrodynamical effects. Microdisk resonators demonstrate the feasibility of integration into the silicon platform. Efficient coupling is achieved using photonic crystal air-mode nanobeam cavities. The molecular screening effect on nanotube emission allows for spectral tuning of the coupling. The Purcell effect of the coupled cavity-exciton system reveals near-unity radiative quantum efficiencies of the excitons in carbon nanotubes.

Dielectronic recombination experiment of Na-like Kr<sup>25+</sup> at heavy ion storage ring CSRe

The experimental study of precision spectroscopy of dielectronic recombination (DR) of highly charged ions is not only important for astronomical plasma and fusion plasma, but also can be used as a new precision spectroscopy to test the strong-field quantum electrodynamic effect, measure isotope shift, and extract the radius of atomic nuclei. An specially designed electron beam energy detuning system for electron-ion recombination precision spectroscopy experiments has been installed on the heavy ion storage ring CSRe in Lanzhou, China, where the electron-ion collision energy in the center-of-mass system can be detuned to 1 keV, and an independently-developed plastic scintillator detector and multiwire proportional chamber detector have been installed downstream of the electron cooler of the CSRe for detecting recombined ions. The multiwire proportional chamber detector has the ability to non-destructively monitor the profile of the ion beam in real-time while acquiring the recombined ion counts, providing guidance for optimizing the ion beam. On this basis, the first test experiment on dielectronic recombination of Kr<sup>25+</sup> ions is carried out at the CSRe, and the dielectronic recombination rate coefficients in a range of 0–70 eV in the frame of center-of-mass are measured. In order to fully understand the experimental results, we calculate the dielectronic recombination rate coefficient of the Kr<sup>25+</sup> ion by using the flexible atomic code (FAC) and make a detailed comparison with the experimental result, showing that they are in good agreement with each other, and only the resonance energy values of the two resonance peaks at 1.695 eV and 2.573 eV are significantly different. In addition, the DR resonance energy values and intensities are obtained by fitting the experimental results in a range of 0–35 eV, and we find that the transition 3s→4l (∆<i>n</i> = 1) contributes significantly to the experimental spectral lines. Furthermore, we compare the plasma rate coefficients derived from the DR rate coefficients with those derived from the AUTOSTRUCTURE and FAC theories, which differ by 20 percent in a temperature range less than 10<sup>6</sup> K. The experimental results show that the DR experimental platform of the CSRe has very good stability and reproducibility, and can provide support for the future DR experiments of highly charged ion, i.e. for testing strong-field quantum electrodynamics effect and measuring the properties of atomic nuclei.

Large Casimir Flipping Torque in Quantum Trap.

Casimir torque between parallel plates, a macroscopic quantum electrodynamics effect, is known to be induced by dielectric anisotropy and related to the rotational degree of freedom. We here reveal a different type of Casimir torque generated on a Au plate suspended in a quantum trap without recourse to materials anisotropy. As the Au plate deflects from the equilibrium plane with a nonzero flipping angle, the regions departing from and approaching the Teflon-coated Au substrate are subjected to attractive and repulsive Casimir forces, respectively, resulting in a restoring torque about the axis of flipping. For a quantum trap with an equilibrium separation of ∼10 nm, the stiffness per unit area of the Casimir flipping torque can be an order of magnitude larger than those of previously reported dielectric anisotropy-induced rotational torques at the same separation. The large Casimir flipping torque provides the possibility of designing a mechanical oscillator completely dominated by quantum and thermal fluctuations.

Atomic structure calculations, and electron impact ionization cross-sections of W LXI

The present study provides a wide range of calculations of atomic structure data for the tungsten ion W LXI, that belongs to the silicon isoelectronic sequence. The fully relativistic Multi-configuration Dira-Hartree–Fock (MCDHF) method including configuration interaction (CI) is applied to the current ion. Calculated results of energy levels, oscillator strengths, and radiative rates of W LXI are presented. A set of two configuration state lists including the configurations of 3s23p2, 3s3p3, 3s23p3d, and 3p4 at different angular momenta (J) and parity (P) are considered in the configuration interaction calculations of level energies and oscillator strengths. To increase the accuracy of the results, the electronic correlations from higher orbitals, i.e., 7l orbitals are included in the calculations. Quantum electrodynamics effects such as vacuum polarization and self-energy are recalled in the CI calculations. Many more transitions in the soft x-ray region (between 20 and 200 angstroms) have been identified. The flexible atomic code package has been used to compute the electron impact ionization cross-sections of 3s23p2 3P0,1, 1D2 levels in silicon-like tungsten. The cross-sections of the transitions from the ground level in W LXI to the first levels in the 61st ionization of tungsten have been computed using FAC code. The total ionization cross-sections of the 3s23p2 at electron energy range from 5–35 keV are evaluated as well.

Singly-excited resonant open quantum system Tavis-Cummings model with quantum circuit mapping

Tavis-Cummings (TC) cavity quantum electrodynamical effects, describing the interaction of N atoms with an optical resonator, are at the core of atomic, optical and solid state physics. The full numerical simulation of TC dynamics scales exponentially with the number of atoms. By restricting the open quantum system to a single excitation, typical of experimental realizations in quantum optics, we analytically solve the TC model with an arbitrary number of atoms with linear complexity. This solution allows us to devise the Quantum Mapping Algorithm of Resonator Interaction with N Atoms (Q-MARINA), an intuitive TC mapping to a quantum circuit with linear space and time scaling, whose N+1 qubits represent atoms and a lossy cavity, while the dynamics is encoded through 2N entangling gates. Finally, we benchmark the robustness of the algorithm on a quantum simulator and superconducting quantum processors against the quantum master equation solution on a classical computer.