In atomic physics if the electromagnetic coupling constant becomes sufficiently large bound electron states can join the negative-energy continuum of the Dirac equations. The resulting possibility of spontaneous positron production and the new concept of a charged electron-positron vacuum is discussed. The autoionisation model and the exact overcritical solutions of the single-particle Dirac equation are contrasted with a quantum-field-theoretical approach. Vacuum polarisation and the self-screening of extremely strong electric charges are treated explicitly. Adiabatic collisions of heavy ions leading to the transient formation of quasi-molecular electron orbitals are suggested as a means for an experimental test of the special features of strong-field QED.
CITATION STYLE
Greiner, W., Müller, B., & Rafelski, J. (1985). Quantum Electrodynamics of Strong Fields. Quantum Electrodynamics of Strong Fields. Springer Berlin Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-82272-8
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