arXiv subjects

Dimitar Bakalov

Publications and source records attributed to Dimitar Bakalov.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Density effects in precision laser spectroscopy of exotic helium atoms

Exotic helium atoms act as unique atomic traps for heavy, negatively charged particles, protecting them from nuclear annihilation and nuclear capture on timescales long enough to enable high-precision laser spectroscopy. Such measurements serve as stringent tests of three-body quantum electrodynamics and offer a direct route to determining fundamental particle masses. Motivated by upcoming spectroscopic efforts targeting pionic ($\pi^{-\,4}\mathrm{He}^+$) and kaonic ($K^{-\,4}\mathrm{He}^+$) helium, we present a rigorous theoretical evaluation of the collisional and density effects governing these systems. Using an ab initio potential energy surface and coupled-channel quantum scattering calculations, we study the collisional stability of the candidate metastable states against inelastic quenching in a cryogenic helium buffer gas. Furthermore, we provide theoretical reference values for the pressure broadening and pressure shift coefficients of the targeted transitions. These results establish an essential benchmark for future experiments, paving the way for refined determinations of the pion and kaon masses.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2026

On the potential for high-accuracy spectroscopy of $\mathrm{H}_2^+$ and $\overline{\mathrm{H}}_2^-$ in Penning traps for a test of CPT invariance

The comparison of vibrational transition frequencies of $\mathrm{H}_2^+$ and $\overline{\mathrm{H}}_2^-$ offers a new opportunity to test CPT invariance. Myers [Phys. Rev. A 98, 010101(R) (2018)] proposed performing laser spectroscopy in a Penning trap (PT) with non-destructive read-out. Here, we provide an extensive analysis of this proposal, introduce novel aspects, and discuss its implementation in PTs that incorporate either the continuous Stern-Gerlach effect or quantum-logic spectroscopy. We derive estimates for the achievable accuracy of the test. We find that a comparison of the vibrational frequencies at a fractional level of $1\times10^{-17}$ is a realistic prospect, using technology that is mostly already available. We also analyze complementary CPT invariance tests, namely those of the g-factor of the bound electron/positron via electron-spin-resonance spectroscopy and of the magnetic moment of the proton/antiproton via radiofrequency spectroscopy.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2026

High-precision Penning-trap spectroscopy of the ground-state spin structure of HD+

We present high-precision spectroscopy of the ground-state hyperfine structure of HD$^+$ at 4~T. We determine the bound-electron $g$ factor, $g_{e,\mathrm{bound}} = -2.002\,278\,540\,96(40)$, to a relative uncertainty of $2\times$10$^{-10}$, the most precise determination of a bound-electron $g$ factor of a molecular ion to date. The experimental value agrees with recently developed ab initio theory that now includes quantum-electrodynamical effects up to order $α^5$ and has reduced the theoretical uncertainty by three orders of magnitude [O. Kullie \textit{et al.}, Phys. Rev. A 112 052813 (2025)]. In addition, we extract the scalar spin-spin interaction coefficients $E_4$~=~925\,395.758(41)$\,$kHz (electron-proton) and $E_5$~=~142\,287.821(22)$\,$kHz (electron-deuteron), which show a moderate tension with another state-of-the-art theoretical prediction [M. Haidar \textit{et al.}, Phys. Rev. A 106 042815 (2022)].

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2025

Quantum calculation of the collision-induced line-shape effects in antiprotonic helium and the new accurate ab initio $\bar{p}$He$^{+}$-He potential energy surface

We present the first fully ab initio calculations of collision-induced broadening and shift of spectral lines in antiprotonic helium ($\bar{p}$He$^{+}$) perturbed by atomic helium. To overcome critical limitations of previous studies, we construct a new highly accurate potential energy surface (PES) that spans a wide range of $\bar{p}$He$^{+}$-He geometries relevant to all metastable states of the exotic helium atom. Rigorous quantum scattering calculations performed using the new PES yield scattering $S$-matrices from which we extract pressure broadening and shift coefficients for 50 transitions in antiprotonic helium-4 ($\bar{p}^{4}$He$^{+}$). This dataset provides the first rigorous benchmark for earlier semiclassical calculations and establishes a robust theoretical reference for high-precision spectroscopy of antiprotonic helium, which is used to test the fundamental charge, parity, and time reversal (CPT) symmetry. The results extend to temperatures relevant to non-gaseous phases of helium, supporting a new class of precision measurements. This study introduces a methodological framework for future investigations of other exotic systems, such as pionic or kaonic helium atoms, enabling the development of reference data for high-precision spectroscopy of these species - an essential component for improving the determination of the pion and kaon masses.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2018

Laser-stimulated electric quadrupole transitions in the molecular hydrogen ion H2+

Molecular hydrogen ions are of metrological relevance due to the possibility of precise theoretical evaluation of their spectrum and of external-field-induced shifts. We report the results of the calculations of the rate of laser-induced electric quadrupole transitions between a large set of ro-vibrational states of ${\rm H_2^+}$. The hyperfine and Zeeman structure of the E2 transition spectrum and the effects of the laser polarization are treated in detail. We also present the nuclear spin-electron spin coupling constants, computed with a precision 10 times higher than previously.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2017

Toward the measurement of the hyperfine structure of muonic hydrogen in the FAMU experiment. Multi-pass cavity optimization for experiments with pulsed sources

We consider a simplified model of the optical multi-pass cavity that is being currently developed by the FAMU collaboration for the measurement of the hyperfine splitting in the ground state of muonic hydrogen and of the Zemach radius of the proton. The model is focused on the time distribution of the events of laser-stimulated hyperfine transitions in the muonuc atom and may be helpful in the preliminary design of the FAMU experimental set-up and, more generally, in the optimization of multi-pass optical cavities for experiments with pulsed lasers.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2017

First FAMU observation of muon transfer from mu-p atoms to higher-Z elements

The FAMU experiment aims to accurately measure the hyperfine splitting of the ground state of the muonic hydrogen atom. A measurement of the transfer rate of muons from hydrogen to heavier gases is necessary for this purpose. In June 2014, within a preliminary experiment, a pressurized gas-target was exposed to the pulsed low-energy muon beam at the RIKEN RAL muon facility (Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, UK). The main goal of the test was the characterization of both the noise induced by the pulsed beam and the X-ray detectors. The apparatus, to some extent rudimental, has served admirably to this task. Technical results have been published that prove the validity of the choices made and pave the way for the next steps. This paper presents the results of physical relevance of measurements of the muon transfer rate to carbon dioxide, oxygen, and argon from non-thermalized excited mu-p atoms. The analysis methodology and the approach to the systematics errors are useful for the subsequent study of the transfer rate as function of the kinetic energy of the mu-p currently under way.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2016

Collisional shift and broadening of the transition lines in pionic helium

We calculate the density shift and broadening of selected dipole transition lines of pionic helium in gaseous helium at low temperatures up to T=12 K and pressure up to a few bar. In the approximation of binary collisions the shift and broadening depend linearly on the density; we evaluate the slope of this linear dependence for a few spectral lines of known experimental interest, and also investigate its temperature dependence. We find a blue shift of the resonance frequencies of the $(n,l)=(16,15) \rightarrow (16,14)$, $(17,16) \rightarrow (17,15)$, and $(16,15)\rightarrow(17,14)$ unfavored transitions, and a red shift for the favored one $(17,16) \rightarrow (16,15)$. The results are intended to significantly increase the efficiency of the laser spectroscopy investigations of pionic helium and help the interpretation of the experimental data.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2016

Low-energy negative muon interaction with matter

Using simulated data, obtained with the FLUKA code, we derive empirical regularities about the propagation and stopping of low-energy negative muons in hydrogen and selected solid materials. The results are intended to help the preliminary stages of the set-up design for experimental studies of muon capture and muonic atom spectroscopy. Provided are approximate expressions for the parameters of the the momentum, spatial and angular distribution of the propagating muons. In comparison with the available data on the stopping power and range of muons (with which they agree in the considered energy range) these results have the advantage to also describe the statistical spread of the muon characteristics of interest.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2014

Theoretical and computational study of the energy dependence of the muon transfer rate from hydrogen to higher-Z gases

The recent PSI Lamb shift experiment and the controversy about proton size revived the interest in measuring the hyperfine splitting in muonic hydrogen as an alternative possibility for comparing ordinary and muonic hydrogen spectroscopy data on proton electromagnetic structure. This measurement critically depends on the energy dependence of the muon transfer rate to heavier gases in the epithermal range. The available data provide only qualitative information, and the theoretical predictions have not been verified. We propose a new method by measurements of the transfer rate in thermalized target at different temperatures, estimate its accuracy and investigate the optimal experimental conditions.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2014

Shift and broadening of resonance lines of antiprotonic helium atoms in solid helium

We have estimated the shift and broadening of the resonance lines in the spectrum of antiprotonic helium atoms $\bar{p}\mathrm{He}^{+}$ implanted in solid helium $^4$He. The application of the response function for crystalline helium has enabled determination of the contributions from the collective degrees of freedom to the shift and broadening. It occurs that the broadening due to the collective motion is negligible compared to the natural line width. The available pair-correlation functions for crystalline $^4$He have been applied for estimating the resonance-line shift due to collisions of $\bar{p}\mathrm{He}^{+}$ atom with the surrounding $^4$He atoms. The dependence of the line shift, which has been calculated in the quasistatic limit, on the solid-$^4$He density is nonlinear.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2014

The static and dynamic polarisability, and the Stark and black-body radiation frequency shifts of the molecular hydrogen ions H2+, HD+, and D2+

We calculate the DC Stark effect for three molecular hydrogen ions in the non-relativistic approximation. The effect is calculated both in dependence on the rovibrational state and in dependence on the hyperfine state. We discuss special cases and approximations. We also calculate the AC polarisabilities for several rovibrational levels, and therefrom evaluate accurately the black-body radiation shift, including the effects of excited electronic states. The results enable the detailed evaluation of certain systematic shifts of the transitions frequencies for the purpose of ultra-high-precision optical, microwave or radio-frequency spectroscopy in ion traps.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2014

Simple Molecules and Clocks

The precise measurement of transition frequencies in cold, trapped molecules has applications in fundamental physics, and extremely high accuracies are desirable. We determine suitable candidates by considering simple molecules with a single electron, for which the external-field shift coefficients can be calculated with high precision. Our calculations show that $\Htwop$ exhibits particular transitions whose fractional uncertainties may reach $2\times10^{-17}$ at room temperature. We also generalize the method of composite frequencies, introducing tailored linear combinations of individual transition frequencies that are free of the major systematic shifts, independent of the strength of the external perturbing fields. By applying this technique, the uncertainty should be reduced to the $10^{-18}$ range for both $\Htwop$ and $\HDp$. Thus, the theoretical results demonstrate that these molecules are of metrological relevance for future studies.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2013

The electric quadrupole moment of molecular hydrogen ions and their potential for a molecular ion clock

The systematic shifts of the transition frequencies in the molecular hydrogen ions are of relevance to ultra-high-resolution radio-frequency, microwave and optical spectroscopy of these systems, performed in ion traps. We develop the ab-initio description of the interaction of the electric quadrupole moment of this class of molecules with the static electric field gradients present in ion traps. In good approximation, it is described in terms of an effective perturbation hamiltonian. An approximate treatment is then performed in the Born-Oppenheimer approximation. We give an expression of the electric quadrupole coupling parameter valid for all hydrogen molecular ion species and evaluate it for a large number of states of H2+, HD+, and D2+. The systematic shifts can be evaluated as simple expectation values of the perturbation hamiltonian. Results on radio-frequency (M1), one-photon electric dipole (E1) and two-photon E1 transitions between hyperfine states in HD+ are reported. For two-photon E1 transitions between rotationless states the shifts vanish. For a subset of rovibrational one-photon transitions the quadrupole shifts range from 0.2 to 10 Hz for an electric field gradient of 0.1 GV/m2. We point out an experimental procedure for determining the quadrupole shift which will allow reducing its contribution to the uncertainty of unperturbed rovibrational transition frequencies to the 1.10^(-15) relative level and, for selected transitions, even below it. The combined contributions of black-body radiation, Zeeman, Stark and quadrupole effects are considered for a large set of transitions and it is estimated that the transition frequency uncertainty of selected transitions can be reduced below the 1.10^(-15) level.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2013

Shift and broadening of resonance lines of the antiprotonic helium atoms in liquid He-4

The shift and broadening of the resonance lines in spectrum of the antiprotonic helium atoms $\bar{p}\mathrm{He}^{+}$ located in fluid and superfluid $^4$He have been calculated. The contributions to the shift and broadening from collective degrees of freedom in liquid $^4$He have been estimated using the phenomenological response function. Effects due to the interaction of $\bar{p}\mathrm{He}^{+}$ with a single $^4$He atom have been calculated in the quasistatic approximation using the experimental pair correlation function. It has been shown that an implanted $\bar{p}\mathrm{He}^{+}$ atom establishes a good probe of liquid helium properties, since this atom practically does not change the target structure.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2010

Precision spectroscopy of the molecular ion HD+: control of Zeeman shifts

Precision spectroscopy on cold molecules can potentially enable novel tests of fundamental laws of physics and alternative determination of some fundamental constants. Realizing this potential requires a thorough understanding of the systematic effects that shift the energy levels of molecules. We have performed a complete ab initio calculation of the magnetic field effects for a particular system, the heteronuclear molecular hydrogen ion HD+. Different spectroscopic schemes have been considered, and numerous transitions, all accessible by modern radiation sources and exhibiting well controllable or negligible Zeeman shift, have been found to exist. Thus, HD+ is a perspective candidate for determination of the ratio of electron-to-nuclear reduced mass, and for tests of its time-independence.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2008

Quantum Vacuum Friction in Highly Magnetized Neutron Stars

In this letter we calculate the energy loss of highly magnetized neutron star due to friction with quantum vacuum, namely Quantum Vacuum Friction (QVF). Taking into account one-loop corrections in the effective Heisenberg-Euler Lagrangian of the light-light interaction, we derive an analytic expression for QVF allowing us to consider magnetic field at the surface of the star as high as $10^{11} $T. In the case of magnetars with high magnetic field above the QED critical field, we show that the energy loss by QVF dominates the energy loss process. This has important consequences, in particular on the inferred value of the magnetic field. This also indicates the need for independent measurements of magnetic field, energy loss rate, and of the braking index to fully characterize magnetars.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2007

Determining the antiproton magnetic moment from measurements of the hyperfine structure of antiprotonic helium

Recent progress in the spectroscopy of antiprotonic helium has allowed for measuring the separation between components of the hyperfine structure (HFS) of the (37,35) metastable states with an accuracy of 300 MHz, equivalent to a relative accuracy of 3x10^{-5}. The analysis of the uncertainties of the available theoretical results on the antiprotonic helium HFS shows that the accuracy of the value of the dipole magnetic moment of the antiproton (currently known to only 0.3 %) may be improved by up to 2 orders of magnitude by measuring the splitting of appropriately selected components of the HFS of any of the known metastable states. The feasibility of the proposed measurement by means of an analog of the triple resonance method is also discussed.

physics.atom-ph↗