Breakthrough in muonic atom research enhances nuclear physics

Researchers at the University of Queensland have made a significant discovery in the field of muonic atom research. This breakthrough allows for new experiments in nuclear physics that may enhance our understanding of atomic structures. The team from the UQ School of Mathematics and Physics combined theoretical insights with practical experiments. They found that nuclear polarization, a phenomenon that had previously complicated studies of muonic atoms, does not limit research as much as once thought. Their findings were published in the journal Physical Review Letters. Dr. Odile Smits, a co-author of the study, explained that muonic atoms are special because they contain muons, which are heavier versions of electrons. These muons can orbit atomic nuclei, providing a closer look at their structures than regular electrons can. Previous experiments faced challenges due to uncertainty over how nuclear polarization influenced the tiny energy shifts in atoms. This polarization affects the nuclear shape, similar to how the moon creates ocean tides on Earth. However, the UQ team discovered that the impact of nuclear polarization on muonic atoms is much smaller than scientists had believed. Associate Professor Jacinda Ginges, who led the study, remarked that this finding has removed a major obstacle to studying muonic atoms. This breakthrough opens the door for new experiments that could offer deeper insights into nuclear structure and fundamental physics. The research team collaborated with Dr. Natalia Oreshkina from the Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics in Germany, who verified their results through independent calculations. This discovery is expected to inspire new experiments, like those at the Paul Scherrer Institute in Zurich, which aims to study muonic atoms in more detail.