Negative energy effects in processes involving bound particles: finite nuclear size effects

TL;DR

This paper investigates how the finite size of the nucleus in a hydrogen atom reduces the likelihood of negative energy states, highlighting the role of the electron Compton wavelength in this effect.

Contribution

It introduces the concept that finite nuclear size diminishes negative energy contributions in bound particle processes, providing new insights into atomic structure.

Findings

Negative energy states are less probable with extended nuclei.

Reduced electron Compton wavelength characterizes the negative energy region.

Finite nuclear size impacts quantum state probabilities.

Abstract

Probability of finding negative energy states in a hydrogen atom is decreased when the nucleus is extended. Reduced electron Compton wavelength is the characteristic size of the region around the nucleus where negative energy contributions to the wave function are sizeable.