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Quantum Electrodynamics in the Dark

Published

Author(s)

John D. Gillaspy

Abstract

Perhaps they're just shy, but heavy atoms seem very uncomfortalbe when most of their electrons are stripped off. In order to cover their nakedness as quickly as possible, they aggressively try to steal electrons from any source they encounter. Their electron capture rates can be orders of magnitude higher than those of ordinary ions. Stripped ions are not just embarrassed, they are literally charged up about the situation. As a result, they present interesting opportunities to study the influence of extreme electric fields on a variety of physical process.
Citation
Physics World
Volume
14
Issue
No. 8

Keywords

dielectronic recombination, highly charged ions, ion traps, QED, quantum electrodynamics, strong electric fields

Citation

Gillaspy, J. (2001), Quantum Electrodynamics in the Dark, Physics World (Accessed July 5, 2024)

Issues

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Created August 1, 2001, Updated February 17, 2017