Quantum time dilation in atomic spectra
Abstract
Quantum time dilation occurs when a clock moves in a superposition of relativistic momentum wave packets. The lifetime of an excited hydrogenlike atom can be used as a clock, which we use to demonstrate how quantum time dilation manifests in a spontaneous emission process. The resulting emission rate differs when compared with the emission rate of an atom prepared in a mixture of momentum wave packets at order v2/c2 . 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 with the effect of quantum time dilation. We argue that spectroscopic experiments offer a technologically feasible platform to explore the effects of quantum time dilation.
- Publication:
-
Physical Review Research
- Pub Date:
- April 2021
- DOI:
- 10.1103/PhysRevResearch.3.023053
- arXiv:
- arXiv:2006.10084
- Bibcode:
- 2021PhRvR...3b3053G
- Keywords:
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- Quantum Physics;
- General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology;
- Physics - Atomic Physics
- E-Print:
- 15 pages