Multiple colliding laser pulses as a basis for studying high-field high-energy physics
Journal article, 2019

Apart from maximizing the strength of optical electromagnetic fields achievable at high-intensity laser facilities, the collision of several phase-matched laser pulses has been identified theoretically as a trigger of and way to study various phenomena. These range from the basic processes of strong-field quantum electrodynamics to the extraordinary dynamics of the generated electron-positron plasmas. This has paved the way for several experimental proposals aimed at both fundamental studies of matter at extreme conditions and the creation of particle and radiation sources. Because of the unprecedented capabilities of such sources, they have the potential to open up new opportunities for experimental studies in nuclear and quark-gluon physics. We perform here a systematic analysis of different regimes and opportunities achievable with the concept of multiple colliding laser pulses, for both current and upcoming laser facilities. We reveal that several distinct regimes could be within reach of multi-petawatt laser facilities.

Electromagnetic fields

High energy physics

Electrodynamics

Phase matching

Author

Joel Magnusson

Chalmers, Physics, Theoretical Physics

Arkady Gonoskov

University of Gothenburg

Mattias Marklund

University of Gothenburg

Timur Zh. Esirkepov

Japan Atomic Energy Agency Kansai Photon Science Institute

James K. Koga

Japan Atomic Energy Agency Kansai Photon Science Institute

Kiminori Kondo

Japan Atomic Energy Agency Kansai Photon Science Institute

Masaki Kando

Japan Atomic Energy Agency Kansai Photon Science Institute

Sergei V. Bulanov

ELI Beamlines

Georg Korn

ELI Beamlines

Cameron G. R. Geddes

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Carl B. Schroeder

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Eric Esarey

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Stepan S. Bulanov

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Physical Review A - Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics

24699926 (ISSN) 24699934 (eISSN)

Vol. 100 6 063404

Subject Categories

Accelerator Physics and Instrumentation

Atom and Molecular Physics and Optics

Fusion, Plasma and Space Physics

DOI

10.1103/PhysRevA.100.063404

More information

Latest update

11/8/2021