  We consider the back-reaction of quantum electrodynamics upon an electric
field E(x_+) = - A'_-(x_+) which is parallel to x^3 and depends only on the
lightcone coordinate x_+ = (x^0 + x^3)/\sqrt{2}. Novel features are that the
mode functions have simple expressions for arbitrary A_-(x_+), and that one
cannot ignore the usual lightcone ambiguity at zero + momentum. Each mode of
definite canonical momenta k_+ experiences pair creation at the instant when
its kinetic momentum p_+=k_+ - e A_-(x_+) vanishes, at which point operators
from the surface at x_- =-\infty play a crucial role. Our formalism permits a
more explicit and complete derivation of the rate of particle production than
is usually given. We show that the system can be understood as the infinite
boost limit of the analogous problem of an electric field which is homogeneous
on surfaces of constant x^0.
