New source term for QGP formation in the background-field model

Abstract We consider pair production in a space-time-dependent background field and derive a source term, i.e., production rate in the one-particle phase space. Such a source term is required in Boltzmann-equation-based models of quark-gluon plasma formation and evolution. We compare the source term derived here with the one that has been used in the literature so far. Significant differences are observed.