Nonlinear Breit-Wheeler pair creation with bremsstrahlung γ rays
Journal article, 2018

Electron-positron pairs are produced through the Breit-Wheeler process when energetic photons traverse electromagnetic fields of sufficient strength. Here we consider a possible experimental geometry for observation of pair creation in the highly nonlinear regime, in which bremsstrahlung of an ultrarelativistic electron beam in a high-Z target is used to produce γ rays that collide with a counter-propagating laser pulse. We show how the target thickness may be chosen to optimize the yield of Breit-Wheeler positrons, and verify our analytical predictions with simulations of the cascade in the material and in the laser pulse. The electron beam energy and laser intensity required are well within the capability of today's high-intensity laser facilities.

colliding beams

strong-field QED

Positron production

Author

Tom Blackburn

Chalmers, Physics, Theoretical Physics

Mattias Marklund

Chalmers, Physics, Theoretical Physics

Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion

0741-3335 (ISSN) 1361-6587 (eISSN)

Vol. 60 5 054009

Subject Categories

Accelerator Physics and Instrumentation

Atom and Molecular Physics and Optics

Other Physics Topics

DOI

10.1088/1361-6587/aab3b4

More information

Latest update

8/22/2022