arXiv subjects

Ben Ohayon

Publications and source records attributed to Ben Ohayon.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Nuclear Charge Radius of $^9$Be from Muonic Atom Spectroscopy Using a Microcalorimeter

The $2p\to1s$ transition energy in muonic $^9$Be was measured using a metallic magnetic calorimeter, resulting in $E_{2p\to 1s}=33\,391.48(34)\,$eV. The result is 30 times more precise than the previous best measurement and enables the extraction of the corresponding nuclear charge radius $r_c($$^9$Be$)=2.5506(51)\,$fm. It is $2.4$ times more precise than the commonly used value based on electron scattering and differs from it by $2.3$ times the combined uncertainties. This measurement represents the first determination of a nuclear charge radius using muonic x-ray spectroscopy with microcalorimeters.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2026

Experimental and theoretical studies of hyperfine structures in $^{21}$Na

We measured the hyperfine structure constants, $A(3s^2S_{1/2})$ and $A(3p^2P_{1/2})$, of the neutron-deficient isotope $^{21}\text{Na}$ using CLaSsy, a setup dedicated to collinear laser spectroscopy at RAON. The hyperfine structure constants of $^{21}\text{Na}$ were measured to be $103.6(10)_{\mathrm{stat}}(9)_{\mathrm{syst}}$ MHz for $A(3p^2P_{1/2})$ and $954.9(11)_{\mathrm{stat}}(25)_{\mathrm{syst}}$ MHz for $A(3s^2S_{1/2})$. A systematic comparison with the state-of-the-art ab-initio relativistic coupled cluster calculations shows the role of higher-order correlation effects such as triple excitations in $^{21}$Na. Furthermore, the measurement demonstrates a capability of the CLaSsy setup to conduct collinear laser spectroscopy experiments with a radioactive beam.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2026

Taming nuclear size and shape effects in superallowed beta-decay

We present the first combined analysis of the statistical rate function f in superallowed beta decays with ab initio calculations and data. We focus on C10 to 10B, 14O to 14N and 26mAl to 26Mg, all of which are important channels for the precise determination of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa (CKM) matrix element Vud. Nuclear charge form factors are obtained by combining experimental data on nuclear charge radii and theory calculations of ratios of moments with the in-medium similarity renormalization group, while the beta decay form factors are derived from exact isospin relations. This enables a rigorous study of the nuclear shape dependence in the statistical rate function f and the quantification of its uncertainties from both experiment and theory. The calculation leads to a more precise test for the first-row CKM unitarity with reduced theoretical uncertainties. This work demonstrates a reliable strategy for combining nuclear many-body calculations with high-precision nuclear data to describe beta decays at tree level for precision tests of the Standard Model.

nucl-th↗

arXiv2026

Towards better nuclear charge radii

Nuclear charge radii constitute a physical observable of growing significance across multiple subdisciplines of physics and related fields. Their determination relies on a combination of complementary experimental techniques and advanced theoretical frameworks. Current recommended values are informed by the outcomes of several independent working groups, each employing distinct methodological approaches and evaluation strategies. The present effort is directed toward a more precise and reliable extraction of charge radii, as well as the development of a modern, transparent, and methodologically robust compilation of recommended values.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2026

Binding Energy of Muonic Beryllium: Perturbative versus All--Order Calculations

We compute the ground-state binding energy of muonic $^9$Be in two ways: first, the fully perturbative treatment of the nuclear-size effect often employed in light systems, and second, an approach that accounts for the finite-nuclear-size to all orders (and is inspired by calculations otherwise employed for heavy muonic ions). The results are compared term by term and show that both approaches agree to better than one part-per-million of the total energy. The objective of this work is twofold. The first is practical: to provide a parametrization that allows the extraction of the $^9$Be charge radius from recent and forthcoming experiments with high precision. The second is more conceptual: to act as a bridge between the community working on calculations for light systems and those focusing on heavy systems, demonstrating that the fully relativistic approach otherwise chosen for heavy systems can be enhanced to cover theoretical predictions for all charge numbers.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2025

Microwave Spectroscopy of the Muonium $2S_{1/2}-2P_{3/2}$ Fine Structure Interval

We report a microwave spectroscopy measurement of the muonium $2S_{1/2}-2P_{3/2}$ fine structure transition, yielding a transition frequency of $9871.0 \pm 7.0~\mathrm{MHz}$, in agreement with state-of-the-art QED predictions within one standard deviation. In combination with the recent Lamb shift result, the $2P_{1/2}-2P_{3/2}$ splitting is determined, improving the spectroscopic characterization of the $n=2$ manifold in muonium. These results provide a stringent test of bound-state QED in a purely leptonic system and establish a path toward future searches for Lorentz violation and muon-specific new physics.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2025

Probing new hadronic forces with heavy exotic atoms

We explore the potential of precision spectroscopy of heavy exotic atoms where electrons are substituted by negative hadrons to detect new force carriers with hadronic couplings. The selected transitions are unaffected by nuclear contact terms, thus enabling highly accurate calculations using bound-state QED, provided that the nuclear polarization is under control. Alternatively, we demonstrate that the dipole polarizability, a fundamental property of nuclei, can be extracted from the spectroscopy of exotic atoms in a novel way by combining two transitions while maintaining high sensitivity to new physics. Based on existing data, we extracted world-leading bounds on mediator masses ranging from $0.1\,$MeV to $10\,$MeV for two benchmark models and show that forthcoming experiments could enhance the sensitivity to new physics by two orders of magnitude.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2025

Towards Precision Spectroscopy of Antiprotonic Atoms for Probing Strong-field QED

PAX (antiProtonic Atom X-ray spectroscopy) is a new experiment with the aim to test strong-field quantum electrodynamics (QED) effects by performing high-precision x-ray spectroscopy of antiprotonic atoms. By utilizing advanced microcalorimeter detection techniques and a low-energy antiproton beam provided by the ELENA ring at CERN, gaseous targets will be used for the creation of antiprotonic atoms, and the measurement of transitions between circular Rydberg states will be conducted with up to two orders of magnitude improved accuracy over previous studies using high-purity germanium detectors. Our approach eliminates the longstanding issue of nuclear uncertainties that have hindered prior studies using highly charged ions, thus enabling direct and purely QED-focused measurements. By precisely probing atomic systems with electric fields up to two orders of magnitude above the Schwinger limit, PAX will test vacuum polarization and second-order QED corrections, opening new frontiers in fundamental physics and uncovering potential pathways to physics beyond the Standard Model.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2024

Muonium fine structure: theory update, tests of Lorentz violation and experimental prospects

We review the status of the QED calculations for the muonium $2S_{1/2}-2P_{3/2}$ energy interval and provide the updated theoretical value of $9874.357\pm0.001\,\mathrm{MHz}$. Additionally, we present a model for probing Lorentz-violating coefficients within the Standard Model Extension framework using the fine structure measurement in the presence and absence of a weak external magnetic field, enabling novel tests of CPT and Lorentz symmetry. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we estimate that a precision of $\sim 10\,\mathrm{kHz}$ on the isolated $2S_{1/2}, F=1 - 2P_{3/2}, F=1$ transition could be achievable employing Ramsey's separate oscillatory fields (SOF) technique. Collecting the required statics will become feasible with the upcoming High-Intensity Muon Beam (HiMB) at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Switzerland. These advancements will enable precise tests of radiative QED corrections and nuclear self-energy contributions, while also providing tests of new physics and sensitivity to unconstrained coefficients for Lorentz violation within the Standard Model Extension framework.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2024

Testing for isospin symmetry breaking with extensive calculations of isotope shift factors in potassium

Precise evaluation of the isotope shift (IS) factors for seven low-lying potassium (K) states is achieved using relativistic coupled-cluster (RCC) theory. The energies of these states are assessed and compared with experimental data to confirm the accuracy of the wave functions calculated at varying RCC theory approximations and highlight the significance of many-body and relativistic effects in determining the energies and IS factors of K. Various methods are used to compute the IS factors, with the finite-field (FF) approach yielding results that align with observed and semi-empirical data. This consistency is attributed to orbital relaxation effects that are naturally present in the FF method but emerge only through complex interactions in other techniques. Using the IS factors derived from FF, we review the mean square radius difference between $^{38m}$K and $^{39}$K. From this difference and muonic atom x-ray spectroscopy, we deduce the absolute radius of $^{38m}$K using an updated calculation of the nuclear polarizability effect. Finally, we evaluate the isospin symmetry breaking (ISB) in this isotriplet by integrating the radius of $^{38m}$K with an updated radius of $^{38}$Ca, concluding that the ISB is compatible with zero. This finding offers a stringent benchmark for nuclear model calculations of ISB corrections in nuclear beta decay, which play a key role in determining the $V_{ud}$ matrix element.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2024

Production and study of antideuterium with the GBAR beamline

The potential of circulating antideuterons ($\mathrm{\overline{d}}$) in the AD/ELENA facility at CERN is under active investigation. Approximately 100 $\mathrm{\overline{d}}$ per bunch could be delivered as a $100\,\mathrm{keV}$ beam based on measured cross-sections. These $\mathrm{\overline{d}}$ could be further decelerated to $12\,\mathrm{keV}$ using the GBAR scheme, enabling the synthesis of antideuterium ($\mathrm{\overline{D}}$) via charge exchange with positronium, a technique successfully demonstrated with $6\,\mathrm{keV}$ antiprotons for antihydrogen production. The AD/ELENA facility is currently studying the possibility of increasing the $\mathrm{\overline{d}}$ rate using an optimized new target geometry. Assuming this is feasible, we propose further enhancing the anti-atom production by using laser-excited positronium in the $2P$ state within a cavity, which is expected to increase the $\mathrm{\overline{D}}(2S)$ production cross-section by almost an order of magnitude for $\mathrm{\overline{d}}$ with $2\,\mathrm{keV}$ energy. We present the projected precision for measuring the antideuterium Lamb shift and extracting the antideuteron charge radius, as a function of the beam flux.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2024

Critical evaluation of reference charge radii and applications in mirror nuclei

I present a critical review of absolute root-mean-square charge radii of stable nuclei from $Z=3$ to $Z=32$, which includes a previously overlooked uncertainty in the combined analysis of muonic x-ray and electron scattering experiments. From these \textit{reference radii} and isotope shift measurements, I obtain those of 12 mirror pairs with a traceable and realistic uncertainty budget. The difference in radii between mirror nuclei is found to be proportional to the isospin asymmetry, confirming recent calculations by Novario \emph{et al}~[PRL~130, 032501]. Assuming that this linear relation holds across the nuclear chart, the fitted proportionality constant, combined with the revised known radii, predicts the radii of 73 previously unknown mirror partners. These are useful e.g., for benchmarking atomic and nuclear theory, calibrating entire chains, and as an input to nuclear beta-decay calculations. The radii of $(T=1,T_z=0)$ nuclei are interpolated assuming negligible isospin symmetry breaking. This completes a model-independent, high-precision extraction of the charge and weak radii of all nuclei involved in the testing of the unitarity of the CKM matrix.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2024

MMC Array to Study X-ray Transitions in Muonic Atoms

The QUARTET collaboration aims to significantly improve the precision of the absolute nuclear charge radii of light nuclei from Li to Ne by using an array of metallic magnetic calorimeters to perform high-precision X-ray spectroscopy of low-lying states in muonic atoms. A proof-of-principle measurement with lithium, beryllium and boron is planned for fall 2023 at the Paul Scherrer Institute. We discuss the performance achieved with the maXs-30 detector module to be used. To place the detector close to the target chamber where the muon beam will impact the material under study, we have developed a new dilution refrigerator sidearm. We further discuss the expected efficiency given the transparency of the X-ray windows and the quantum efficiency of the detector. The expected muonic X-ray rate combined with the high resolving power and detection efficiency of the detector suggest that QUARTET will be able to study the de-excitation of light muonic atoms at an unprecedented level, increasing the relative energy resolution by up to a factor of 20 compared to conventional detector techniques.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2024

Towards Precision Muonic X-Ray Measurements of Charge Radii of Light Nuclei

We propose an experiment to measure the nuclear charge radii of light elements with up to 20~times higher accuracy. These are essential both for understanding nuclear physics at low energies, and for experimental and theoretical applications in simple atomic systems. Such comparisons advance the understanding of bound-state quantum electrodynamics and are useful for searching for new physics beyond the Standard Model. The energy levels of muonic atoms are highly susceptible to nuclear structure, especially to the mean square charge radius. The radii of the lightest nuclei (with the atomic number, $Z=1,2$) have been determined with high accuracy using laser spectroscopy in muonic atoms, while those of medium mass and above were determined using X-ray spectroscopy with semiconductor detectors. In this communication, we present a new experiment, aiming to obtain precision measurements of the radii of light nuclei $3 \leq Z \leq 10$ using single-photon energy measurements with cryogenic microcalorimeters; a quantum-sensing technology capable of high efficiency with outstanding resolution for low-energy X-rays.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2023

Hyperfine structure and isotope shifts of the $^1P_1 \leftarrow{} ^{1}S_0$ transition in atomic zinc

We report absolute frequency, isotope shift, radiative lifetime and hyperfine structure measurements of the $^1P_1 \leftarrow{} ^{1}S_0$ (213.8 nm) transition in Zn I using a cryogenic buffer gas beam. Laser-induced fluorescence is collected with two orthogonally oriented detectors to take advantage of differences in the emission pattern of the isotopes. This enables clear distinction between isotopes whose resonances are otherwise unresolved, and a measurement of the fermion hyperfine structure parameters, $A(^{67}$Zn)$=20(2)$ MHz and $B(^{67}$Zn)$=10(5)$ MHz. We reference our frequency measurements to an ultralow expansion cavity and achieve an uncertainty at the level of 1 MHz, about 1 percent of the natural linewidth of the transition.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2023

Pulsed CW laser for long-term spectroscopic measurements at high power in deep-UV

We present a novel technique for in-vacuum cavity-enhanced UV spectroscopy that allows nearly continuous measurements over several days, minimizing mirror degradation caused by high-power UV radiation. Our method relies on pulsing of the cavity's internal power, which increases the UV intensity to maximum only for short periods when the studied atom is within the cavity mode volume while keeping the average power low to prevent mirror degradation. Additionally, this method significantly decreases laser-induced background on charged particle detectors. The described 244 nm laser system is designed for 1S-2S two-photon CW spectroscopy of muonium in the Mu-MASS project. It was tested to provide intracavity powers above 20 W, requiring maintenance only a few times a day. The pulsing technique demonstrates minimal impact on the radiation frequency, with no observed shifts exceeding 15 kHz. Our approach represents a promising new technique for high-precision spectroscopy of atoms in harsh UV environments and demonstrates the feasibility of CW spectroscopy of muonium.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2023

Update of Muonium 1S-2S transition frequency

We present an updated value of the Muonium 1S-2S transition frequency, highlighting contributions from different QED corrections as well as the large uncertainty in the Dirac contribution, stemming from the uncertainty of the electron-to-muon mass ratio. Improving the measurement of this spectral line would allow to extract a more accurate determination of fundamental constants, such as the electron-to-muon mass ratio or, combined with the Muonium hyperfine splitting, an independent value of the Rydberg constant. Furthermore we report on the current status of the Mu-MASS experiment, which aims at measuring the Muonium 1S-2S transition frequency at a 10 kHz uncertainty level.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2022

Muonic-Atom Spectroscopy and Impact on Nuclear Structure and Precision QED Theory

Recent progress in laser and x-ray spectroscopy of muonic atoms offers promising long-term possibilities at the intersection of atomic, nuclear and particle physics. In muonic hydrogen, laser spectroscopy measurements will determine the ground-state hyperfine splitting (HFS) and additionally improve the Lamb shift by a factor of 5. Precision spectroscopy with cryogenic microcalorimeters has the potential to significantly improve the charge radii of the light nuclei in the $Z=3-8$ range. Complementary progress in precision should be achieved on the theory of nucleon- and nuclear-structure effects. The impact of this muonic-atom spectroscopy program will be amplified by the upcoming results from H and He$^+$ spectroscopy, simple molecules such as HD$^+$ and Penning trap measurements. In this broader context, one can test ab-initio nuclear theories, bound-state QED for two- or three-body systems, and determine fundamental constants, such as the Rydberg ($R_\infty$) and the fine-structure ($α$) constants.

nucl-th↗