Positron production in collision of heavy nuclei

TL;DR

This paper investigates the electromagnetic production of positrons during slow heavy nuclei collisions, highlighting a process with a higher cross-section than electron-positron pair production.

Contribution

It introduces a dominant positron production mechanism involving electron capture, surpassing traditional $e^+e^-$ production cross-sections.

Findings

Positron production cross-section exceeds $e^+e^-$ production.

Electron capture occurs simultaneously with positron emission.

The process is significant in slow heavy nuclei collisions.

Abstract

We consider the electromagnetic production of positron in collision of slow heavy nuclei, with the simultaneously produced electron captured by one of the nuclei. The cross-section of the discussed process exceeds essentially the cross-section of $e^+e^-$ production.