Pair production via Quantum Tunneling has negative Kinetic energy?

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of a photon being converted to a positron-electron pair, but lacking enough energy for this to happen. The concept of tunneling is also brought up as a potential solution, but the presence of an "uncertainty amount" is questioned. Further discussion includes the idea of pair production and its relation to matter-antimatter pairs.
  • #1
Superposed_Cat
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If we have a photon being converted to a positron-electron pair, but we lack enough energy for this to happen (hv<2Me*c^2) but the difference is smaller than the uncertainty amount, such that tunneling may be possible, would the resultant pair have net negative energy? Would tunneling even be possible in this case? Any help appreciated.
 
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Hawking radiation would be one along your idea.
 
  • #3
Superposed_Cat said:
a photon being converted to a positron-electron pair

A single photon can't do this in free space, because there is no way for this to happen without violating energy or momentum conservation. You would need a pair of photons.

Superposed_Cat said:
we lack enough energy for this to happen (hv<2Me*c^2) but the difference is smaller than the uncertainty amount

What "uncertainty amount"?
 
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  • #4
Superposed_Cat said:
If we have a photon being converted to a positron-electron pair, but we lack enough energy for this to happen (hv<2Me*c^2) but the difference is smaller than the uncertainty amount, such that tunneling may be possible, would the resultant pair have net negative energy? Would tunneling even be possible in this case? Any help appreciated.

This is very puzzling. You're making it sound as if pair production is nothing more than matter-antimatter pair already there and only need to overcome some potential barrier to be liberated. It is no such thing.

Zz.
 
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1. What is pair production via Quantum Tunneling with negative Kinetic energy?

Pair production via Quantum Tunneling with negative Kinetic energy is a quantum phenomenon in which a pair of particles (usually an electron and a positron) is created from a vacuum due to the energy of a strong electric field. This process is possible due to the uncertainty principle in quantum mechanics, which allows for particles to appear and disappear in a vacuum.

2. How does pair production via Quantum Tunneling with negative Kinetic energy occur?

Pair production via Quantum Tunneling with negative Kinetic energy occurs when a strong electric field is applied to a vacuum. The field causes the vacuum to become unstable, allowing for the creation of a pair of particles. The particles are created with opposite charges and opposite momenta, and their combined energy is equal to the energy of the electric field.

3. What is the significance of negative Kinetic energy in pair production via Quantum Tunneling?

The negative Kinetic energy in pair production via Quantum Tunneling is a result of the conservation of energy. The total energy of the created particles must be equal to the energy of the electric field. Since the particles have opposite charges and momenta, their Kinetic energies cancel out, resulting in a negative value. This negative energy is then balanced out by the positive energy of the electric field.

4. What are the applications of pair production via Quantum Tunneling with negative Kinetic energy?

Pair production via Quantum Tunneling with negative Kinetic energy has many applications in various fields of science and technology. It is used in particle accelerators to produce high-energy particles for research purposes. It also plays a crucial role in understanding the behavior of matter in extreme conditions, such as in the early universe or near black holes.

5. Can pair production via Quantum Tunneling with negative Kinetic energy be observed in everyday life?

No, pair production via Quantum Tunneling with negative Kinetic energy cannot be observed in everyday life. This phenomenon occurs at a very small scale and requires a strong electric field, which is not present in our daily surroundings. However, its effects can be observed indirectly through experiments and technological applications.

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