Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026

Isotopic Effect in Double Proton Transfer Process of Porphycene Investigated by Enhanced QM/MM Method
Published on: July 19, 2019
Resonantly enhanced pair production in a simple diatomic model
François Fillion-Gourdeau1, Emmanuel Lorin, André D Bandrauk
1Centre de Recherches Mathématiques, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada H3T 1J4. filliong@CRM.UMontreal.ca
Researchers discovered a new mechanism for electron-positron pair production using laser fields and diatomic molecules. This resonantly enhanced process boosts pair creation at lower field strengths, aiding Dirac vacuum studies.
Area of Science:
- Quantum Electrodynamics
- Atomic and Molecular Physics
- Laser-Plasma Interactions
Background:
- The interaction of strong laser fields with matter can lead to particle-antiparticle pair production.
- Understanding pair production in molecular systems is crucial for high-intensity laser physics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel mechanism for electron-positron pair production in ionized diatomic molecules under laser fields.
- To investigate the role of resonances in enhancing pair production rates.
Main Methods:
- A one-dimensional model using Dirac delta potential wells for nuclei and a static, spatially extended laser field.
- Analysis of resonance crossings in the complex energy plane under laser influence.
- Evaluation of the average rate of electron-positron pair production.
Main Results:
- A resonantly enhanced pair production mechanism is identified, analogous to resonantly enhanced ionization.
- Positron production is significantly enhanced when resonances are crossed.
- The mechanism shows potential for increasing pair production at lower laser field strengths.
Conclusions:
- The study reveals a new pathway for efficient electron-positron pair production in molecular systems.
- This phenomenon offers a method to study the Dirac vacuum with achievable laser intensities.
- The findings have implications for high-field physics and quantum electrodynamics.
More Related Videos
10:52Line Shape Analysis of Dynamic NMR Spectra for Characterizing Coordination Sphere Rearrangements at a Chiral Rhenium Polyhydride Complex
Published on: July 27, 2022
08:22Measurement of Ultrafast Vibrational Coherences in Polyatomic Radical Cations with Strong-Field Adiabatic Ionization
Published on: August 6, 2018
Related Concept Videos
¹H NMR: Complex Splitting
Splitting diagrams or splitting tree diagrams are routinely used to depict such complex couplings. While drawing splitting diagrams, the splitting with the larger coupling constant is usually applied first.
Double Resonance Techniques: Overview
Spin decoupling is usually achieved by...
Spin–Spin Coupling Constant: Overview
Qualitatively, any spin plus-half nucleus polarizes the spins of its electrons to the minus-half state. Consequently, the paired electron in the hydrogen–carbon bond must have a...
¹H NMR: Long-Range Coupling
In alkenes, spin information is communicated via σ–π overlap, as seen in allylic (four-bond) and homoallylic (five-bond) couplings. These coupling interactions are stronger when the σ bond is parallel to the alkene π orbitals.
VSEPR Theory and the Effect of Lone Pairs
Spin–Spin Coupling: Two-Bond Coupling (Geminal Coupling)
The central atom need not be NMR-active because its electrons are affected by the electron polarization of the spin-active atoms. However, spin information is transmitted less effectively than in one-bond coupling, and 2J values are usually weaker than 1J values. The energy of...