Theory of the Lamb Shift in Hydrogenlike Systems

Abstract

Analytic calculations of the Lamb shift represent a considerable challenge due to the size and the complexity of the expressions that occur in intermediate steps. In the current work, we present a method for the treatment of the bound-state self-energy in higher orders. Advantage is taken of computer algebra systems. The method is applied to the 2P-states, and the (one-loop) self-energy is calculated up to the order of alpha (Zalpha)^6. The calculation leads to improved predictions for the in atomic hydrogen. In particular, the focus of the current work is the calculation of the so-called A_60-coefficient with improved accuracy. A_60-coefficients for 2P states are calculated with an accuracy of less than 1 Hz in frequency units. An account of the contributions to the Lamb shift of 2P states is given [status of 1996 when this thesis was completed]. Bound-state quantum electrodynamics combines the complexity of modern quantum field theory, including renormalization, augmented by the structure of bound states and the inherent relativistic corrections with the experimental possibilities of modern high-resolution laser spectroscopy.