QED effects and challenges

Abstract

Quantum electrodynamics (QED) is the most accurate and the best confirmed theory in modern physics. This chapter is devoted to the description of the QED effects in atoms and molecules. Starting from the famous Lamb’s experiment with hydrogen, we finish with the most recent experiments with heavy ions. We will demonstrate the cases where the QED effects are extremely important for the comparison of the theoretical predictions with the experiment. Finally, we will provide brief review of the most important QED challenges at present.