Highly-charged ions for atomic clocks, quantum information, and search for $\alpha$-variation

Abstract

We propose 10 highly-charged ions as candidates for the development of next generation atomic clocks, quantum information, and search for $\alpha$-variation. They have long-lived metastable states with transition frequencies to the ground state between 170-3000 nm, relatively simple electronic structure, stable isotopes and high sensitivity to $\alpha$-variation (e.g., Sm$^{14+}$, Pr$^{10+}$, Sm$^{13+}$, Nd$^{10+}$). We predict their properties crucial for the experimental exploration and highlight particularly attractive systems for these applications.