High-intensity scattering processes of relativistic electrons in vacuum

Abstract

Recent advances in novel technologies such as chirped pulse amplification and high gradient rf photoinjectors make it possible to study experimentally the interaction of relativistic electrons with ultrahigh intensity photon fields. Femtosecond laser systems operating in the TW–PW range are now available, as well as synchronized relativistic electron bunches with subpicosecond durations and THz bandwidths. Ponderomotive scattering can accelerate these electrons with extremely high gradients in a three-dimensional vacuum laser focus. The nonlinear Doppler shift induced by relativistic radiation pressure in Compton backscattering is shown to yield complex nonlinear spectra which can be modified by using temporal laser pulse shaping techniques. Colliding lasers pulses, where ponderomotive acceleration and Compton backscattering are combined, could also yield extremely short wavelength photons. Finally, strong radiative corrections are expected when the Doppler-upshifted laser wavelength approaches the Compton scale. These are discussed within the context of high field classical electrodynamics, a new discipline borne out of the aforementioned innovations.

Exact Solution of the Landau-Lifshitz Equation in a Plane Wave

“…Finally, exact numerical and perturbative analytical approaches to the LAD equation in a plane wave are presented in [8,11,12,13,18].…”

Backscattering of an Intense Laser Beam by an Electron

“…Colliding such energetic photons to create particles through the inverse process has advantages over direct particle collisions because of reduced beamstrahlung and disruption. The results of numerous experiments [1][2][3][4][5][6], theories [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20], and reviews [21,22] related to these topics have been published.…”

Electron beam and rf characterization of a low-emittanceX-band photoinjector

“…Likewise, at 1 Å (12 keV), protein crystallography is revolutionizing the pharmaceutical industry by allowing the design of new drugs, as exemplified by the protease inhibitors used to decrease the viral load in HIV patients [8]. This type of radiation can be produced by Compton scattering [9] using a high-quality electron beam and a tabletop terawatt laser for an advanced x-ray source. Compactness, low cost, and turnkey operation are highly desirable for such sources, especially in a clinical environment, and the development of new technologies for electron acceleration will assist in attaining that goal.…”