QFT textbook where Schwinger effect is described

In summary, the Schwinger effect, also known as the Schwinger pair production, is a phenomenon in quantum field theory where a strong electric field can spontaneously create pairs of particles and antiparticles. It is typically described as a process where a high-energy photon splits into an electron-positron pair, and has applications in particle physics, astrophysics, and cosmology. There have been several experimental validations of the Schwinger effect, and it is a well-established concept in QFT.
  • #1
Neitrino
137
0
Could you pls advise me QFT textbooks where the Schwinger effect is described...
Thanks a lot
 
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  • #3
well the treatment given in itzykson and zuber is to formal for my liking. However there is a paper by B. Holstein titled strong field pair production Am J. Phys 67(6) 1999 pg 499. You should try reading that first.
 

1. What is the Schwinger effect in QFT?

The Schwinger effect, also known as the Schwinger pair production, is a phenomenon in quantum field theory (QFT) where a strong electric field can spontaneously create pairs of particles and antiparticles. This effect is a manifestation of quantum vacuum fluctuations and is an important concept in understanding the behavior of particles in strong electric fields.

2. How is the Schwinger effect described in QFT textbooks?

The Schwinger effect is typically described in QFT textbooks as a process where a high-energy photon can spontaneously split into an electron-positron pair in the presence of a strong electric field. This process is governed by the laws of quantum mechanics and can be calculated using Feynman diagrams in perturbation theory.

3. What are the applications of the Schwinger effect?

The Schwinger effect has implications in various fields, including particle physics, astrophysics, and cosmology. In particle physics, it helps explain the behavior of particles in strong electric fields, such as those found in particle accelerators. In astrophysics, it is relevant for understanding the behavior of particles in extreme environments, such as near black holes. In cosmology, it has implications for the early universe and the production of matter-antimatter asymmetry.

4. Are there any experimental validations of the Schwinger effect?

Yes, there have been several experimental validations of the Schwinger effect. One notable example is the observation of electron-positron pairs created by high-intensity laser beams, which mimic the strong electric field needed for the Schwinger effect. Other experiments have also observed the production of electron-positron pairs in strong electric fields, providing evidence for the existence of the Schwinger effect.

5. Is the Schwinger effect a well-established concept in QFT?

Yes, the Schwinger effect is a well-established concept in QFT and has been extensively studied and validated through both theoretical calculations and experimental observations. It is an important aspect of understanding the behavior of particles in the presence of strong electric fields and has implications in various fields of physics.

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