Bound states of negatively charged ions induced by a magnetic field

Abstract

We analyze the bound states of negatively charged ions that were predicted to exist because of the presence of a magnetic field by Avron et al. [Commun. Math. Phys. 79, 529 (1981)]. We confirm that the number of such states is infinite in the approximation of an infinitely heavy nucleus and provide insight into the underlying physical picture by means of a combined adiabatic and perturbation theoretical approach. We also calculate the corresponding binding energies that are qualitatively different for the states with vanishing and nonvanishing angular momentum. An outlook on the case of including center-of-mass effects is presented.