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arXiv · 2502.14703

Relativistic Quantum Kinetic Theory: Higher order contributions in assisted Schwinger pair production

Abstract

Quantum kinetic theory is an important tool for studying non-equilibrium, non-perturbative and non-linear interactions within an open quantum system, and as such is able to provide an unprecedented view on particle production in the relativistic, ultra-high intensity regime of quantum electrodynamics. By re-organising the relativistic quantum transport equations for Abelian plasmas and integrating them with a perturbative expansion, we significantly expand the scope for kinetic theories to further elucidate the peculiarities of particle production at a spectral level. Keywords: Assisted Schwinger effect, Strong-field quantum electrodynamics, relativistic quantum transport, quantum kinetic theory, non-equilibrium quantum many-body physics.

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James P. Edwards, Naser Ahmadiniaz, Sebastian M. Schmidt, Christian Kohlfürst. 2025-02-20. Relativistic Quantum Kinetic Theory: Higher order contributions in assisted Schwinger pair production. https://doi.org/10.1103/mgst-vn3c

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