Time it takes for a particle creation/annhilation (according to QFT)?

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter triclon
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Particle Qft Time
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Quantum Field Theory (QFT) does not provide a definitive time frame for particle creation and annihilation processes, such as pair production from a high-energy photon striking an atomic nucleus. The interaction is described as occurring at a single point in spacetime, with amplitudes indicating the likelihood of such events rather than a specific duration. Consequently, the transition from a photon to an electron and positron is not characterized by a measurable time interval but rather as an instantaneous event in the context of QFT.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Quantum Field Theory (QFT)
  • Familiarity with particle physics concepts, specifically pair production
  • Knowledge of spacetime and interaction amplitudes
  • Basic principles of quantum mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of Quantum Field Theory in detail
  • Research the concept of interaction amplitudes in quantum mechanics
  • Explore the phenomenon of pair production and its implications in particle physics
  • Investigate the relationship between energy, mass, and particle creation in high-energy physics
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of quantum mechanics, and researchers interested in particle interactions and the implications of Quantum Field Theory.

triclon
Messages
12
Reaction score
0
I am curious if quantum field theory says anything about how much time it takes for an interaction, or particle creation and annihilation, to take place. For example if I have a high energy photon, and it strikes an atomic nucleus and you get pair production forming an electron and positron. In the example, I am wondering what is the amount of time it takes to go from a photon to an electron and positron. Is there a certain amount of time for that process to occur or is it "instantaneous" where one moment you have a high energy photon and a nucleus at rest, and the next you have an electron and positron? I don't know enough about QFT to say. Perhaps the theory doesn't probe into the "process" of the interaction and can't say anything about the time it takes for it to occur? Or does theory have something to say?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The interaction occurs at a single point in spacetime. However, keep in mind that you're really just saying that there's an amplitude at every point in spacetime for the interaction to take place.
 

Similar threads

Graduate Why KE of Annihilation Electrons Differs?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
High School Particle creation and annihilation
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
High School What does QFT really predict about matter/anti-matter interactions?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
High School Can a hypothetical atom be made out of positrons and electrons ?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Graduate Why Can't a Lower Energy Photon Remain After Pair Production?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Graduate The fractional energy loss of charged particle per radiation length
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad Does a photon experience time while interacting with the weak force?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Graduate QFT Superposition of Final States
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Undergrad Confused about particle interactions
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Graduate Pair production without nucleus
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K