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arXiv · 0807.0754

Dynamically assisted Schwinger mechanism

Ralf Schützhold·Holger Gies·Gerald Dunne
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Abstract

We study electron-positron pair creation {from} the Dirac vacuum induced by a strong and slowly varying electric field (Schwinger effect) which is superimposed by a weak and rapidly changing electromagnetic field (dynamical pair creation). In the sub-critical regime where both mechanisms separately are strongly suppressed, their combined impact yields a pair creation rate which is {dramatically} enhanced. Intuitively speaking, the strong electric field lowers the threshold for dynamical particle creation -- or, alternatively, the fast electromagnetic field generates additional seeds for the Schwinger mechanism. These findings could be relevant for planned ultra-high intensity lasers.

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Ralf Schützhold, Holger Gies, Gerald Dunne. 2008-07-07. Dynamically assisted Schwinger mechanism. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.101.130404

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