In order to create an electron/positron pair, a photon must provide a minimal energy of E=hf where h is Plank's Constant and f is the frequency of the photon.

I believe the photon must also pass through an electric field (such as the one found around the nucleus). So without a source of a field, it is impossible to create a pair in a complete vacuum.

 

In order to create an electron/positron pair, a photon must provide a minimal energy of E=hf where h is Plank's Constant and f is the frequency of the photon.

I believe the photon must also pass through an electric field (such as the one found around the nucleus). So without a source of a field, it is impossible to create a pair in a complete vacuum.

But you can create virtual particle fairies in complete vacuum.

 

I think anyone interested in lasers might like this RadioLab article. Sorry about the length but it’s worth it.
https://audio.wnyc.org/radiolab/rad...a692283c45622f5_1051593_DfQysjsZ__0000000cYAS