Pair production differential cross section

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the differential cross section for electron-positron pair production, specifically in the context of photons interacting with nuclei. Participants are seeking resources and clarification on the topic, including derivations and the significance of different types of cross sections.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant is searching for resources on the differential cross section for pair production, particularly its derivation.
  • Another participant questions the specifics of the pair production process, noting the variety of pairs and collision processes involved.
  • Clarification is provided that the focus is on electron-positron pair production by photons interacting with nuclei.
  • Several participants suggest using Google to find relevant resources, indicating that there are many hits available.
  • One participant notes that while they found a numerical calculation of the total cross section, they are specifically looking for a closed form of the differential cross section.
  • There is a mention of a quadruply differential cross section, with one participant expressing confusion about its meaning and relevance.
  • Another participant explains that the quadruply differential cross section relates to the energy and direction of the produced particles, which helps clarify its importance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding regarding the differential cross section and its applications. There is no consensus on the availability of a closed form for the differential cross section, and some confusion remains about the terminology used in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the distinction between total and differential cross sections, as well as the potential reliance on numerical calculations for certain processes. The discussion highlights the need for clarity on definitions and the significance of different types of cross sections.

ShayanJ
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In one of my classes, I should give a talk about pair production cross section in front of the class and so I'm now searching for resources. But I can't find a place where the differential cross section for pair production process is given. Anyone knows somewhere I can find it and , preferably, its derivation?
Thanks
 
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Pair production of what, by what?
There are many pairs, and many collision processes that can lead to pairs.
 
mfb said:
Pair production of what, by what?
There are many pairs, and many collision processes that can lead to pairs.
Sorry, I meant electron-positron pair production by photons passing by nuclei.
 
Google "electron positron pair production cross section" gives many relevant hits like this or that, for example.
 
mfb said:
Google "electron positron pair production cross section" gives many relevant hits like this or that, for example.
The first link is actually a numerical calculation of total cross section for different materials. But I wanted to find a closed form for the differential cross section.
The second link seems to give that but I don't know what a quadruply differential cross section is!
Based on your hint, I searched myself and found this, which gives closed forms for the total cross section in different energy regions. But actually I just know that using differential cross section, its possible to calculate the probability that a particle scatters in a particular direction but I don't know how the total cross section can be useful!
Is it that there is no closed form for the differential cross section for this process and all the calculations are numerical?
 
I think you mixed first and second link.
Shyan said:
The second link seems to give that but I don't know what a quadruply differential cross section is!
It is the differential cross-section you are interested in, in terms of energy and direction of the produced particles.
 
mfb said:
It is the differential cross-section you are interested in, in terms of energy and direction of the produced particles.
I got it. Thanks!
 

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