About the crisis in atomic physics caused by the fundamental discovery (2021), related to the theory of hydrogen-like states

Title : About the crisis in atomic physics caused by the fundamental discovery (2021), related to the theory of hydrogen-like states

Abstract:

In 2021, a significant and thought-provoking discovery in atomic physics related to the theory of hydrogen-like atoms and ions (systems possessing a single outer electron) was reported. The core finding revealed that the effective principal quantum numbers of the outer electron—when accounting for the quantum defect (Rydberg correction)—can be represented not only by integers but also by rational fractions of the form N1/N2N_1/N_2N1​/N2​, with a fundamental restriction on the denominator values. As expected, these findings attracted considerable attention from experts, as they directly challenge the foundational principles of atomic theory in modern physics. Consequently, in 2022, a follow-up study was published. This work provided a rigorous validation of the observed regularities through comprehensive mathematical data analysis. Furthermore, the examination of an extensive set of experimental data enabled the extraction of new insights into hydrogen-like states. Notably, “band gaps”—analogous to those observed in semiconductor physics—were identified, within which no permissible values of the effective principal quantum number exist. Most importantly, current atomic theory fails to adequately explain the origin of these experimentally observed regularities. This raises a critical implication: the existing framework of atomic theory may require substantial modification, or potentially a complete revision.
Keywords: hydrogen-like state, principal quantum number, rational fractions.

Biography:

Oleg G. Verin was born in 1948 in Moscow, Russia, and holds the degree of Candidate of Technical Sciences. He graduated with distinction in 1970 from the Moscow Institute of Electronic Machine-Building and subsequently worked in enterprises within the electronic and nuclear industries. In 1984, he defended his dissertation for the Candidate of Technical Sciences degree at the leading electronic industry enterprise, the Science and Production Association “Istok” in Fryazino, Moscow region. He has published 3 books, 10 articles, and 1 technical report, and holds 3 inventions. During 2021–2022, he reported a fundamental discovery in atomic physics related to the theory of hydrogen-like atoms and ions. He is currently retired and resides in Moscow. His research interests include the study of physical phenomena in microwave electronics, the development of the soliton (electromagnetic) theory of fundamental particles, and advancements in atomic theory.