Abstract
In a magnetic field the center of mass (c.m.) motion of an atom or molecule couples to the electronic motion. It is demonstrated that this coupling dramatically influences the properties of negative ions. Neglecting c.m. effects the external field gives rise to a series of infinitely many bound states of the ion. Center of mass effects terminate this series and turn bound states into short-lived resonance states. Whether bound states exist at all, their number and properties as well as the lifetimes of the resonance states depend on the neutral system to which an electron is attached, and on the magnetic field.
- Received 19 March 2001
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.86.5450
©2001 American Physical Society