|
The new facility at GSI has key features that offer a range of new opportunities in atomic physics and related fields.
First, high-charge state ions moving at velocities close to the speed of light generate electric and magnetic fields
of exceptional strength. Second, at those relativistic velocities, the energies of optical transitions, such as for
lasers, are boosted to the x-ray region. The strong fields carried by heavy, highly-charged ions are their outstanding
attributes for atomic and applied physics research. Together with anticipated high beam intensities a range of important
experiments is envisioned.
In relativistic, high-Z ion-atom collisions, extremely intense photon fields arise due to both, the high nuclear
charges and the extremely high velocities. This will even lead to the creation of real particle-antiparticle pairs
(e.g. e+-e).
For the heaviest ions, Quantum ElectroDynamics (QED), the ‘Standard Model’ of electromagnetism and a basis of
modern physics, will be probed near the critical field limit associated with the extreme conditions of high
charge states and high velocities. The fields present in highly relativistic collisions are strong enough to
produce real e+-e- pairs directly out of the vacuum. Precision studies of QED in bound states will
be possible through the large Doppler shifts of highly relativistic ions which generate extreme energy shifts
for photons in the ion rest frame. As a consequence, even the heaviest few-electron ions can now be studied in
precision QED experiments by using state of the art laser systems. The Doppler effect will also be used for the
first time for laser cooling of heavy, highly-charged ions, promising beams at relativistic energies and
brilliances that are suited for unique precision studies in atomic and nuclear physics. Moreover, the interaction
of relativistic, highly-charged heavy ions with matter provides new possibilities in applications, in particular
in material modifications and tests as well as in biophysics and space research.
More Information
|
|
|
last page
up
GSI Helmholtzzentrum für 
gsi.de