Theoretical Values for Magnetic Moments of Mu-Mesonic Atoms

Abstract

The magnetic moment of a negative muon bound in the field of a nucleus is slightly less than the moment of a free muon. The binding corrections to the moment have been calculated accurately for a number of nuclei, using realistic nuclear charge distributions. Polarization of the nucleus and of the atomic electrons by the muon also give rise to significant corrections to the muon moment. Precise determinations of the magnetic moment of heavy mu-mesonic atoms afford a way to test for possible structure of the muon which might be exhibited through the polarization of the muon in the strong electric field of the nucleus. The theoretical and experimental $g$ values are in reasonably good agreement in view of the uncertainties about chemical and solid state magnetic shielding effects.