Feasibility of Low-Energy True Muonium via Near-Threshold Photoproduction

18 May 2026, 12:20
20m
Festsaal (ÖAW)

Festsaal

ÖAW

Doktor-Ignaz-Seipel-Platz 2, 1010 Vienna
Talk Session 2

Speaker

Ivo Schulthess (ETH Zurich)

Description

True muonium (µ⁺µ⁻), the purely leptonic bound state of a muon and an antimuon, is a unique atomic system that has not yet been observed experimentally. Together with positronium (e⁺e⁻) and muonium (µ⁺e⁻), it provides a clean laboratory for tests of bound-state quantum electrodynamics, while uniquely probing a regime characterized by a large reduced mass, extreme compactness, and short intrinsic time scales. These features enhance sensitivity to higher-order radiative corrections and potential new interactions in the muon sector.

We present the results of a feasibility study of low-energy true muonium photoproduction using photons with energies just above the 211 MeV threshold. Near-threshold production enables the formation of true muonium with low kinetic energy, opening the possibility for spectroscopic studies of its intrinsic properties. We discuss expected production rates, dominant background processes, and experimental requirements on the photon source, and assess the prospects of existing and emerging high-intensity photon facilities.

Author

Ivo Schulthess (ETH Zurich)

Co-author

Paolo Crivelli (ETH Zurich (CH))

Presentation materials

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