Atmospheric Gamma Ray Interactions

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Atmospheric gamma-ray extensive air showers are primarily induced by pair-production interactions, described by the equation γ + γ = e^- + e^+. The interaction occurs when a gamma photon approaches the electric field of a nucleus, which acts as a virtual gamma photon, facilitating pair production. The discussion highlights a lack of comprehensive literature detailing the interaction between gamma rays and electric fields, with most existing papers either assuming the interaction or failing to cite relevant sources. Chris seeks specific readings that delve deeper into this interaction, particularly from a quantum field perspective.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of pair production in particle physics
  • Familiarity with gamma-ray interactions
  • Knowledge of electric fields and their role in particle interactions
  • Basic concepts of quantum field theory
NEXT STEPS
  • Research quantum field theory applications in particle interactions
  • Explore literature on gamma-ray interactions with electric fields
  • Study the mathematical derivation of pair production
  • Investigate extensive air showers and their implications in astrophysics
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, astrophysicists, and researchers interested in particle interactions, particularly those studying atmospheric gamma-ray phenomena and pair production processes.

chrispy
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Hi,

Atmospheric gamma-ray extensive air showers are induced by pair-production interactions. The equation that governs pair production is:

\gamma + \gamma = e^- + e^+

My understanding of the interaction is that a gamma passes "close" to the electric field of a nucleus. The nucleus acts as a virtual gamma photon in the equation, allowing pair production to occur. I haven't been able to find literature describing the interaction of the gamma and the E-field in any depth. Most papers I've read so far assume the interaction but neither cite publications where it is described nor derive properties of the interaction. Could someone point me in the direction of some specific readings on the topic?

Thanks,
Chris
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
You basically wants a source that discuss pair production?

Quantum field- or classical derivation?
 
I assume that a quantum field derivation yields a more robust solution than a classical approach.
Chris
 

Similar threads

Graduate Why KE of Annihilation Electrons Differs?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
High School What happens when gamma rays with ultra-high energies interact with matter?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad Ultra-high energy photon interactions with matter
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Graduate Dark matter annihilation into gamma rays
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Determining Gamma Ray energy from spectrum
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
High School Can alpha radiation make other materials radioactive?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
Graduate Falsifications and constraints due to GW measurements
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
6K
Radiation Interactions: Analyzing Dominant Processes in Gamma Ray Interactions
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Graduate Notes on Cosmic rays - wave interactions in plasmas
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Annihilation of Electron by Positron to Produce at least 2 Gamma Rays
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K