What Happens When an Electron-Hole Meets a Positron-Hole?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the hypothetical interaction between an electron-hole and a positron-hole, exploring the implications of these concepts within the framework of particle physics and solid-state physics. Participants consider the nature of electron and positron holes, their definitions, and the potential outcomes of their interaction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions what happens when an electron-hole meets a positron-hole, suggesting that a positron hole could be conceptualized as a missing positron in a collection of positrons.
  • Another participant asserts that nothing significant would occur, arguing that an electron-hole is not a physical entity but rather a conceptual space for an electron, and similarly for a positron-hole.
  • This participant also mentions that if atoms with these holes were to come close, they would annihilate, but the presence of holes would not affect this process.
  • Further, a participant reflects on the nature of mathematical constructs in physics, noting that many imagined objects often have real implications, which leads to curiosity about the behavior of such holes.
  • Another participant introduces the concept of phonons, suggesting that they represent physical disturbances in solids, and mentions that photons interact with electrons to carry these disturbances.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the significance and implications of electron and positron holes, with some asserting that they are merely conceptual while others ponder their potential physical reality. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the nature of these interactions.

Contextual Notes

There is a lack of consensus on the definitions and implications of electron and positron holes, as well as the nature of their interactions. The discussion also touches on the conceptual nature of mathematical constructs in physics and their relation to physical phenomena.

luxiaolei
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Hi,all, I am curies in know what if a electron-hole meet a positron-hole, what will happen??

(positron hole can be made from taking a positron away from a bunch of positron)

Thanks in advance!
 
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Nothing.

It's just confusion about what those things are I guess. An electron hole is not a 'thing' really. It's just a place a free electron could go (where, for example an atom wants more electrons than it has). In this way we could imagine a positron hole as an anti-atom who wants more positrons to orbit it. So, if those atoms got close they would annihilate, but the fact that they have electron/positron 'holes' (missing some orbiting electrons/positrons) would do nothing.
 
James Leighe said:
Nothing.

It's just confusion about what those things are I guess. An electron hole is not a 'thing' really. It's just a place a free electron could go (where, for example an atom wants more electrons than it has). In this way we could imagine a positron hole as an anti-atom who wants more positrons to orbit it. So, if those atoms got close they would annihilate, but the fact that they have electron/positron 'holes' (missing some orbiting electrons/positrons) would do nothing.

Thanks for replay James Leighe.

I was thinking like what you said before actually. But I found that most of the time mathematical ''imagined'' object do really exsit, so I am start to wondering this question.
Also, sometimes, object's behaviours can really create particles, like phonon is created by latis vibration which is so strange to me..

Again, thinking in terms of wavefunction rather than particle?
 
luxiaolei said:
Thanks for replay James Leighe.

I was thinking like what you said before actually. But I found that most of the time mathematical ''imagined'' object do really exsit, so I am start to wondering this question.
Also, sometimes, object's behaviours can really create particles

Phonon is just a way of saying 'traveling physical disturbance in a solid', it's photons that carry that disturbance (through their interaction with electrons).
 

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