How fast is a quantum jump?

TL;DR

This paper proposes a theoretical estimate for the duration of atomic state transitions, linking it to zero-point radiation resonance and predicting a timescale of attoseconds, aligning with recent experimental observations.

Contribution

It introduces a novel theoretical approach to estimate the time scale of quantum jumps based on zero-point radiation resonance effects.

Findings

Estimated quantum jump duration: approximately an attosecond.

Theoretical prediction aligns with recent experimental measurements.

Highlights the role of zero-point radiation in atomic transitions.

Abstract

A proposal is put forward for an estimate of the duration of a transition between atomic states. The proposal rests on the consideration that a resonance of the atomic electron with modes of the zero-point radiation field of Compton's frequency is at the core of the phenomenon. The theoretical result, given essentially by the expression (\alpha\omega_{C})^{-1}, where \alpha is the fine structure constant and \omega_{C} the Compton angular frequency for the electron, lies well within the range of the recently experimentally estimated values of the order of attoseconds (10^{-18} s).