Undergrad Separating particles in a zero point energy field

[mrmashy]

From my understanding, quantum fluctuations create particle pairs that are usually annihilated. Is it possible to use some kind of force (eg: electromagnetism) to direct and separate antiparticles from normal particles?

I believe experiments have proven that it is possible to store positrons and electrons with a combination of electric and magnetic fields.

If the above is possible, does that mean that hypothetically one could generate anti-matter (eg: positrons) and normal matter (electrons)*while keeping them separated

 

[PeterDonis]

quantum fluctuations create particle pairs that are usually annihilated

This is a heuristic description that has a lot of issues. I suggest reading this Insights article:

https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/misconceptions-virtual-particles/

Is it possible to use some kind of force (eg: electromagnetism) to direct and separate antiparticles from normal particles?

If you mean virtual particles and antiparticles, no. Virtual particles are not the kind of thing you can use a force on.

If you mean real particles and antiparticles, yes, you can separate them, but that has nothing to do with virtual particles or quantum fluctuations. See further comments below.

I believe experiments have proven that it is possible to store positrons and electrons with a combination of electric and magnetic fields.

Yes, you can do this, but these are real positrons and electrons, not virtual ones; they are not created by quantum fluctuations, they are created by ordinary processes that require large inputs of energy to create real positron-electron pairs out of gamma radiation (photons) and then separate them before they can annihilate each other.

does that mean that hypothetically one could generate anti-matter (eg: positrons) and normal matter (electrons)*while keeping them separated

That is what is done in the experiments you describe. See above.

 

[mrmashy]

So is it not possible to "create" real particles from zero point energy?

Isn't this diagram possible?

 

[PeterDonis]

So is it not possible to "create" real particles from zero point energy?

No, it's not possible.

Isn't this diagram possible?

No. There is no such thing as a "ZPE" line in any Feynman diagram. And, as has already been said, the whole idea of "virtual particles" is limited in any case and cannot be applied the way you are trying to apply it.

 

[Vanadium 50]

No. There is no such thing as a "ZPE" line in any Feynman diagram.

And, to be pedantic, even if there were, there wouldn't be an arrow on it.