In the realm of energy research, understanding and calculating quantum electrodynamic (QED) effects is crucial for various applications, including nuclear energy and advanced materials for energy storage and conversion. Researchers Ryan Benazzouk, Maen Salman, and Trond Saue from the University of Toulouse III – Paul Sabatier have been delving into these complex calculations to improve precision and efficiency.
The team’s recent work focuses on the non-linear contributions to the vacuum polarization density, specifically the α(Zα)^(n≥3) term. Vacuum polarization is a QED effect where the presence of an electric charge causes the quantum vacuum to behave like a polarizable medium. This effect can influence the energy levels of atoms and ions, which is particularly relevant for understanding and predicting the behavior of matter under extreme conditions, such as those found in nuclear reactions or advanced energy materials.
To improve the numerical computations of these effects, the researchers have derived an analytic expression for the linear contribution to the vacuum polarization density using Riesz projectors. They have also explored alternative formulations of the vacuum polarization density and their interrelations. A key aspect of their work is the investigation of the convergence of the finite Gaussian basis scheme, which is a method used to approximate the solutions to quantum mechanical equations. The researchers have characterized the numerical difficulties that arise in these calculations and performed an error analysis to assess the method’s robustness to numerical noise.
One of the main goals of this research is to achieve a precision comparable to that of Green’s function methods, which are widely used in the field. To this end, the team has developed a strategy for computing the energy shift with sufficient precision to enable a sensible extrapolation of the partial-wave expansion. A notable feature of their procedure is the use of even-tempered basis sets, which allow for an extrapolation towards the complete basis set limit. This approach can potentially enhance the accuracy of QED effect calculations, which is vital for advancing our understanding of energy-related phenomena at the quantum level.
The research was published in the journal Physical Review A, a reputable source for cutting-edge research in atomic, molecular, and optical physics. The improvements in QED effect calculations can have practical applications in the energy sector, particularly in nuclear energy and the development of advanced materials for energy storage and conversion. By enhancing our understanding of these fundamental physical phenomena, we can pave the way for more efficient and sustainable energy technologies.
This article is based on research available at arXiv.