Electron shells in over-critical external fields

When the charge of a nucleus exceeds Z=Zcr≈ 164-172 the energy of the 1 s-electron level is lowered beyond the critical value of -mec². Then this bound level is degenerated with negative energy continuum solutions of the Dirac equation and becomes a resonance, whose shape varies and is approximately of Breit-Wigner type for Z-Zcr≳5. The physical meaning of this resonance can be understood most easily if the 1 s-level is unoccupied (K-hole). In this case a positron may escape if Z>Zcr, a process, that can be interpreted as auto-ionization of the positron. This fundamentally new process of quantum electrodynamics of strong fields can be tested experimentally by scattering very heavy ions (Z≧80) on each other since in such collisions superheavy electronic molecules occur (superheavy quasimolecules). © 1972 Springer-Verlag.

Duke Scholars

Author Berndt Mueller Physics