Article: Hollow excitement energizes atomic physics. (encounter between an ion and a neutral atom produces an unusual atomic state)

Hollow excitement energizes atomic physics

Researchers have discovered that a close encounter between a highly charged, slowly moving ion and a metal surface often yields a neutral atom flush with excess energy -- an intriguing product they describe as a "hollow" atom. In this unusual, ephemeral atomic state, nearly every electron present occupies one of the atom's outer shells, leaving the inner shells empty.

"That's a very exotic atomic state, which no one has ever been able to study before," says Fred W. Meyer of the Oak Ridge (Tenn.) National Laboratory. "Right now, we're investigating the details of how a hollow atom is formed, how fast it's formed ...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

 
 
Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 80 million articles! Access over 6,500 publications with a FREE trial!