Electron wave functions in over-critical electrostatic potentials

B. Müller, J. Rafelski, W. Greiner

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

39 Scopus citations

Abstract

The mathematical properties of the solutions of the Dirac equation in over-critical external potentials are investigated. The 1/r Coulomb potential is treated as the limit R → 0 of cut-off Coulomb potentials (R is the cut-off parameter). The results are interpreted in terms of quantum electrodynamics. A number of new physical phenomena occur in quantum electrodynamics of strong fields. One of the most interesting ones is the autoionization of positrons (energyless creation of electron-positron pairs) in over-critical external fields.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)551-573
Number of pages23
JournalIl Nuovo Cimento A Series 11
Volume18
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1973
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
  • Nuclear and High Energy Physics
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Electron wave functions in over-critical electrostatic potentials'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this