Critical Tests of Quantum Electro-Dynamics (QED) in heavy atomic systems

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The 2005 Nobel prize was awarded for high-precision spectroscopy and a critical test of QED in light atomic systems. This led to dramatic applications to constants of nature and Quantum Optics. Our research has also developed state-of-the-art detector and spectrometer technology in pursuit of fundamental knowledge, but in the X-ray regime. We will make major progress for heavy atomic systems. Applications include the development of a few-electron calibration lamp, widely discussed as a new energy standard. These studies provide data, physical insights and highly skilled personnel for Australia's future in frontier technologies. Our fundamental research has led to two orders of magnitude improvement in mammographic diagnostic accuracy.