Highly Charged Ions for Atomic Clocks, Quantum Information, and Search for α variation

We propose 10 highly charged ions as candidates for the development of next generation atomic clocks, quantum information, and search for alpha variation. They have long-lived metastable states with transition wavelengths to the ground state between 170-3000 nm, relatively simple electronic structure, stable isotopes, and high sensitivity to alpha variation (e.g., Sm14+, Pr10+, Sm13+, Nd10+). We predict their properties crucial for the experimental exploration and highlight particularly attractive systems for these applications.