Real-time dynamics of string breaking

Abstract

We study the real-time dynamics of string breaking in quantum electrodynamics in one spatial dimension. A two-stage process with a clear separation of time and energy scales for the fermion--antifermion pair creation and subsequent charge separation leading to the screening of external charges is found. Going away from the traditional setup of external static charges, we establish the phenomenon of multiple string breaking by considering dynamical charges flying apart.

Comments: 5 pages, 4 figures. Revised version: Discussion extended and one figure added, PRL Version