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Quantum time dilation in atomic spectra

Authors :
Grochowski, Piotr T.
Smith, Alexander R. H.
Dragan, Andrzej
Dębski, Kacper
Source :
Phys. Rev. Research 3, 023053 (2021)
Publication Year :
2020

Abstract

Quantum time dilation occurs when a clock moves in a superposition of relativistic momentum wave packets. We utilize the lifetime of an excited hydrogen-like atom as a clock to demonstrate how quantum time dilation manifests in a spontaneous emission process. The resulting emission rate differs when compared to the emission rate of an atom prepared in a mixture of momentum wave packets at order $v^2/c^2$. This effect is accompanied by a quantum correction to the Doppler shift due to the coherence between momentum wave packets. This quantum Doppler shift affects the spectral line shape at order $v/c$. However, its effect on the decay rate is suppressed when compared to the effect of quantum time dilation. We argue that spectroscopic experiments offer a technologically feasible platform to explore the effects of quantum time dilation.<br />Comment: 15 pages

Details

Database :
arXiv
Journal :
Phys. Rev. Research 3, 023053 (2021)
Publication Type :
Report
Accession number :
edsarx.2006.10084
Document Type :
Working Paper
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevResearch.3.023053