Matter-Antimatter Propulsion via QFT Effects from Parallel Electric and Magnetic Fields

TL;DR

This paper reviews the theoretical basis of matter-antimatter pair production from vacuum via intense electric fields and explores how parallel magnetic fields can enhance this process for potential propulsion applications.

Contribution

It investigates the enhancement of matter-antimatter production through parallel electric and magnetic fields, proposing a novel approach for efficient space propulsion.

Findings

Parallel magnetic fields increase pair production rates.

Quantum effects can lower the critical energy density below the Schwinger limit.

Potential for using this mechanism in intra-solar system and interstellar propulsion.

Abstract

Matter/antimatter (MAM) pair production from the vacuum through intense electric fields has been investigated theoretically for nearly a century. This history is reviewed and proposals of MAM for intra-solar system and interstellar propulsion systems are examined. The quantum mechanical foundation of MAM production was developed by MAM production occurs when the electric field strength is above the critical value at which the fields become non-linear with self-interactions (known as the Schwinger limit).MAM production occurs when the electric field strength is above the critical value at which the fields become non-linear with self-interactions (known as the Schwinger limit). As the energy density of lasers approach the critical strength of 10^16 V/cm, the feasibility and functionality of electron-positron pair production has received growing interest. Current laser intensities are approaching within 1 order of magnitude of the Schwinger limit. Processes for lowering the critical energy density below the Schwinger limit through additional quantum mechanical effects have been explored. One under study at the U. of Connecticut and the U. of Duisburg-Essen is pulsation of inhomogeneous electric fields within a carrier wave. Another is via enhancement of quantum effects by addition of a magnetic field parallel to the electric field. Magnetic field enhancement to quark/anti-quark production through chiral symmetry breaking effects in QCD was considered by J. Preskill in the 1980's. S. Pyo and D. Page showed in 2007 that parallel magnetic fields enhance electron/positron production via an analogous QED effect. MAM production as a highly efficient fuel source for intra solar system and interstellar propulsion was proposed by D. Crow in 1983. The viability of this method of propulsion will be studied, especially from the parallel electric and magnetic field approach.