pair production

noun

1. Physics. the simultaneous creation of a particle and its antiparticle by a nucleus or particle in an excited state, as when a photon is absorbed.

pair production

noun

1. the production of an electron and a positron from a gamma-ray photon in a strong field as that passes close to an atomic nucleus

pair production

/ pâr /

1. The simultaneous creation of a subatomic particle and its antiparticle from some other particle or a field fluctuation. A high-energy gamma ray photon, for example, can spontaneously create an electron-positron pair in a strong electric field. Pair production is essential to theories of particle physics; pair production from gamma rays is used to detect such rays in pair production telescopes , since electrons and positrons are easily detected.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pair production¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

Maker is taking a more hands-on approach with a new initiative called Maker Labs, which will pair production studios with marketers to craft branded entertainment, the new hot thing in advertising.

From Time

This "pair production" robs the star of the support that the gamma rays' pressure had been providing.

From Science Magazine