By creating special atoms, RIKEN physicists have tested what happens to quantum electrodynamics (QED)-a quantum theory describing the interaction of charged particles with electromagnetic fields-when the electric field is ramped up1. The demonstration opens the possibility of using the exotic atoms to perform further experiments at high fields.
QED is a highly successful theory that combines two pillars of modern physics-special relativity and quantum physics. The quantum equivalent of classical electromagnetics formulated by James Maxwell, QED was developed by some of the greatest minds of 20th century physics, including Richard Feynman, Julian Swinger and Shinichiro Tominaga.
So far it has passed every test thrown at it over the last 70 years with flying colors. But most experiments have been performed at low electric fields. Physicists are keen to discover if QED's untarnished record extends into high fields, especially since theoretical calculations become much harder to perform in this region.
