UQ researchers advance muonic atom studies in nuclear physics

Researchers at the University of Queensland (UQ) have made an important discovery in muonic atom research. This breakthrough could lead to new experiments in nuclear physics. The team from UQ's School of Mathematics and Physics has shown that nuclear polarisation does not limit the studies of muonic atoms. Co-author Dr. Odile Smits explained that muonic atoms, which consist of muons orbiting a nucleus, can provide detailed insights into the magnetic structure of atomic nuclei. Muons are heavier cousins of electrons and can be created by cosmic rays or in laboratories. Because muons are closer to the nucleus than electrons, they offer a clearer view of its structure. However, previous experiments have struggled due to uncertainty about how nuclear polarisation affects their measurements. Nuclear polarisation can change the shape of the nucleus, similar to how the Moon affects tides on Earth. The UQ team's research indicates that the effect of muons on nuclear polarisation is much smaller than previously thought. Associate Professor Jacinda Ginges, who led the study, said this discovery removes a significant barrier to research on muonic atoms. It will enable new experiments that deepen our understanding of nuclear structure and fundamental physics. The team collaborated with Dr. Natalia Oreshkina from the Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics in Germany, who validated their results through independent calculations. This research is expected to spark further studies, especially at the Paul Scherrer Institute in Zurich, where efforts are underway to explore muonic atoms in more detail. The findings were published in the journal Physical Review Letters.