Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The isotopic shift of the bound-electron g factor in highly charged ions (HCI) provides a sensitive probe for testing physics beyond the Standard Model, particularly through interactions mediated by a hypothetical scalar boson. In this study, we analyze the sensitivity of this method within the Higgs portal framework, focusing on the uncertainties introduced by quantum electrodynamics corrections, including finite nuclear size, nuclear recoil, and nuclear polarization effects. All calculations are performed for the ground-state 1s configuration of hydrogen-like HCI, where theoretical predictions are most accurate. Using selected isotope pairs (e.g., He4/6, Ne20/22, Ca40/48, Sn120/132, Th230/232), we demonstrate that the dominant source of uncertainty arises from finite nuclear size corrections, which currently limit the precision of new physics searches. Our results indicate that the sensitivity of this method decreases with increasing atomic number. These findings highlight the necessity of improved nuclear radius measurements and the development of alternative approaches, such as the special differences method, to enable virtually the detection of fifth-force interactions.
Source: Atoms
Institution: ITMO University
Language: English
Topic: Atomic and Molecular Physics
Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,810
Awards: G1383169529, G2482021841, G4696175901
OpenAlex ID: W4411282121