Quantum electrodynamics in extreme fields: Precision spectroscopy of high- Z H-like systems

Abstract

In this review we address the topic of X-ray spectroscopic investigations of the ground-state transitions in the heaviest one-electron systems by using the intense beams of cooled heavy ions provided by the Experimental Storage Ring (ESR) at GSI Darmstadt. Such experiments on high- Z ions open up unique possibilities for the investigation of the quantum electrodynamical (QED) effects in the nonperturbative domain of extremely strong electromagnetic fields. Particular emphasis is given to the developments as well as to the current progress for the future experiments aiming for the sensitive tests of the higher-order bound-state QED effects. These include novel high-resolution detection systems: crystal spectrometers in combination with position-sensitive solid-state detectors and bolometers. © 2008 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.