Higher loop corrections to the current of created pairs in the lengthy electric pulse

TL;DR

This paper investigates higher loop corrections to Schwinger's vacuum breakdown current in strong electric pulses, revealing significant redistributions of particle populations that alter the classic current expression for sufficiently long pulses.

Contribution

It uncovers hidden redistributions in particle and photon populations at higher loops, leading to substantial corrections to the vacuum-induced current in strong electric fields.

Findings

Higher loop corrections significantly modify Schwinger's current expression.

Redistributions of charged particles and photons occur at higher loops.

Corrections become large for sufficiently lengthy electric pulses.

Abstract

The Schwinger's current appearing due to the breakdown of the vacuum in the strong constant electric pulse background is well known and calculated in many places. It appears due to the amplification of the zero-point fluctuations. However, we find that in higher loop corrections there are hidden redistributions of the level populations of charged particles and photons. These redistributions lead to the corrections to the current, which become large for the lengthy enough pulse and change the Schwinger's expression for the current.