Is it possible to create a Positron - Electron cooper pair?

In summary, the question is asking if an electron and positron, with their opposite charges, can form a cooper pair in a similar way to how cooper pairs form in metals through lattice deformation. However, since the attraction between an electron and positron is natural, this would not be considered a Cooper pair by definition. Bound states of electrons and positrons are known as positroniums and Bose Einstein condensation has been observed in similar bound states in semiconductors.
  • #1
jniehus
2
0
Hello,

Would it be possible for an electron and positron to form a cooper pair if an electron is brought into the neighborhood of the positron who is anchored in a penning trap (or in some other fashion)?

If normal cooper pairs form by using the the attractive force of the lattice deformation, does that mean the electron and positrons own opposite charges can act as the catalyst to form this state?

If that is possible, would the pair turn into a 'boson' or become charge neutral and fall apart? If they keep their "local charge" (so the positron stays in the penning trap) but still is treated as a boson, would you be able to carry how ever many positrons you wanted in a single trap since they are 'bosons' now?

Thanks,
Josh

PS I'm a newbie so I apologize if this question seems a little bit naive
 
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  • #2
Not sure I fully understand, but the positron and electron have opposite charge and are naturally attracted to each other, why would they need lattice deformation to accomplish this? A cooper pair forms because, due to lattice deformation in a metal, the electrons can be brought closer to each other than normal, so that the energy between them is lower than the Fermi Energy, implying the pair is bound, but for an electron-positron pair, this attraction is natural, so it wouldn't be a Cooper pair by definition.
 
  • #3
Hi soothsayer,

Thanks for your reply, that cleared things up.

Josh
 
  • #4
Bound states of electrons and positrons are known as positroniums.
Analogous bound states of electron hole pairs in semiconductors are called excitons.
In the case of excitons, Bose Einstein condensation has been observed experimentally.
 

1. Can a Positron-Electron Cooper Pair be created in a laboratory setting?

Yes, it is possible to create a Positron-Electron Cooper Pair in a laboratory. This has been achieved through experiments using superconductors.

2. What is a Positron-Electron Cooper Pair?

A Positron-Electron Cooper Pair is a bound state of a positron (anti-electron) and an electron, which can only exist within certain materials, such as superconductors.

3. How is a Positron-Electron Cooper Pair created?

A Positron-Electron Cooper Pair is created through a process called Cooper pairing, which is a quantum mechanical effect that occurs in superconductors at low temperatures.

4. What is the significance of creating a Positron-Electron Cooper Pair?

The creation of a Positron-Electron Cooper Pair is significant because it provides evidence for the existence of superconductivity, as well as the existence of antiparticles in nature.

5. Can Positron-Electron Cooper Pairs be used in any practical applications?

While the creation of Positron-Electron Cooper Pairs has important implications for understanding fundamental physics, they have not yet been utilized in any practical applications. However, further research in this area may lead to potential technological advancements in the future.

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