Noun
the transformation of a gamma-ray photon into an electron and a positron when the photon passes close to an atomic nucleus
Source: WordNetAbove twice this (main) pair production may take place. citation Compton scattering and pair production are examples of two other competing mechanisms. Source: Internet
Electron-positron pair production in a large post-helium burning core removes thermodynamic support and causes initial collapse followed by runaway fusion, resulting in a pair-instability supernova. Source: Internet
Positrons may be generated by positron emission radioactive decay (through weak interactions ), or by pair production from a sufficiently energetic photon which is interacting with an atom in a material. Source: Internet
This opens the way for virtual pair production or annihilation in which a one particle quantum state may fluctuate into a two particle state and back. Source: Internet