• A beryllium ion (Be⁺) has a beryllium nucleus and three electrons. It’s the simplest atomic ion directly laser-coolable. Accurate spectral experiments on Be⁺are key to understanding bound four-body systems. Measuring its spectrum tests QED predictions on fine/hyperfine structure and the Lamb shift precisely. This refines quantum field theory and other basic physics theories.

• Studying how Be⁺ions react with H₂/HD molecules helps us understand basic chemical processes and reaction dynamics at the atomic and molecular levels. These reactions display isotope effects because hydrogen and deuterium have different masses. This work shows bond formation/breakage during ion-molecule interactions and uncovers factors influencing product selectivity, like isotopologue formation or energy distribution.

Be⁺/BeH⁺/BeD⁺ multi-component crystals after reactions