Atomic Physics Constraints on the X Boson

Abstract: Recently, a peak in the light fermion pair spectrum at invariant q^2 approximately equal to 16.7 Me^2. has been observed in the bombardment of Li-7 by protons. This peak has been interpreted in terms of a protophobic interaction of fermions with a gauge boson (X boson) of invariant mass of approximately 16.7 MeV which couples mainly to neutrons. High-precision atomic physics experiments aimed at observing the protophobic interaction need to separate the X boson effect from the nuclear-size effect, which is a problem because of the short range of the interaction 11.8 fm, which is commensurate with a "nuclear halo". Here, we analyze the X boson in terms of its consequences for both electronic atoms as well as muonic hydrogen and deuterium. We find that the most promising atomic systems where the X boson has an appreciable effect, distinguishable from a finite-nuclear-size effect, are muonic atoms of low and intermediate nuclear charge numbers.