Phase space evolution of pairs created in strong electric fields

TL;DR

This paper models the detailed evolution of electron-positron-photon plasma generated by strong electric fields, revealing multiple energy conversion stages and the path to thermal equilibrium through numerical solutions of kinetic equations.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive numerical approach to simulate the phase space evolution of pairs and photons in strong electric fields, including all relevant QED interactions.

Findings

Identification of distinct epochs in energy conversion process

Demonstration of plasma oscillations due to back reaction

Achievement of thermal equilibrium in the plasma

Abstract

We study the process of energy conversion from overcritical electric field into electron-positron-photon plasma. We solve numerically Vlasov-Boltzmann equations for pairs and photons assuming the system to be homogeneous and anisotropic. All the 2-particle QED interactions between pairs and photons are described by collision terms. We evidence several epochs of this energy conversion, each of them associated to a specific physical process. Firstly pair creation occurs, secondly back reaction results in plasma oscillations. Thirdly photons are produced by electron-positron annihilation. Finally particle interactions lead to completely equilibrated thermal electron-positron-photon plasma.