Multiple Production of Photons in Quantum Electrodynamics

K. T. Mahanthappa

Physical Review · 1962 · 327 citations · 15 references

Concepts

TL;DR

The paper proposes a generalization of the high‑energy QED cross section for processes with n‑photon emission. The authors construct the Green’s function by expanding it into hard and soft photon components and provide a general treatment of infrared divergences. Using this formalism, the authors evaluate the n‑photon production cross sections in Coulomb scattering and pair annihilation, and discuss limitations of the hard‑soft photon expansion.

Abstract

A formalism intended to evaluate the expectation value of physical quantities directly has been applied to the processes involving multiple production of photons in quantum electrodynamics. This has been achieved by constructing the Green's function which is done by expanding it in terms of hard and soft photon parts of the electromagnetic field. A general treatment of infrared divergence is given. The cross section for $n$-photon production in Coulomb scattering and pair annihilation has been evaluated. The limitation of the expansion of the Green's function in terms of hard and soft photon parts is examined. A plausible generalization regarding the cross section of any primary process in quantum electrodynamics at high energies with $n$-photon emission in the final state is enunciated.

References

15