Two-loop QED corrections in few-electron ions

Abstract

Results of a calculation valid to all orders in the nuclear-strength parameter Zα are presented for the two-loop Lamb shift, notably for the two-loop self-energy correction, for the ground and first excited states of ions with the nuclear charge numbers Z = 60–100. A detailed comparison of the all-order calculation with earlier investigations based on an expansion in the parameter Zα is given. The calculation removes the largest theoretical uncertainty for the 2pj–2s transition energies in heavy Li-like ions and is important for interpretation of experimental data.PACS Nos.: 31.30.Jv, 31.30.–i, 31.10.+z