NUCLEAR SIZE CORRECTION TO THE ELECTRON SELF-ENERGY

The nuclear size correction to the self-energy of an electron in the 1S1/2, 2S1/2, or 2P1/2 state in hydrogenlike ions is calculated. The results modify theoretical predictions required for experimental tests of quantum electrodynamics in strong fields, and they resolve differences among previous calculations for the Lamb shift in hydrogenlike uranium. Results are presented for a number of elements ranging from iron (Z = 26) to fermium (Z = 100). An estimate of the nuclear model dependence of the effect is made, and, based on the numerical results, a simple formula for the correction as a function of the nuclear radius is provided.