This project has four goals: (1) to measure the Rydberg constant in atomic hydrogen to a precision of one part in 10.10; (2) to determine the ionization potential of atomic helium to one in part in 10.9; (3) to apply molecular analysis to the sharp peaks in electron-positron and photon pairs produced in heavy ion collisions; (4) to study effects of a squeezed radiation field on atomic transition. It is suggested that the Rydberg constant may be used as a unique wave length/frequency standard, which can serve throughout the entire spectrum. Measurements in helium will test recent progress in its theory, including relativistic effects and Lamb shifts.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Physics (PHY)
Application #
8718814
Program Officer
Arthur Komar
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
1988-02-15
Budget End
1991-07-31
Support Year
Fiscal Year
1987
Total Cost
$316,075
Indirect Cost
Name
Yale University
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
New Haven
State
CT
Country
United States
Zip Code
06520