Laser Spectroscopy in Storage Rings

There are, however, other interesting experiments that were successful. For instance, in the electron cooler ions and atoms move with nearly equal velocities and form an unusual kind of a plasma. Here laser spectroscopy may help to better understand the physics of highly ionized plasmas 

An interesting aspect is the spontaneous radiative recombination of electrons and ions, which can be enhanced by irradiation with resonant laser light. This has been demonstrated in the test storage ring in Heidelberg 

Further experiments of fundamental interest are precision measurements of transition frequencies of very fast moving ions, allowing tests of special relativity. 

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