Jet Observable for Photons from High-Intensity Laser-Plasma Interactions

Abstract

The goals of discovering quantum radiation dynamics in high-intensity laser-plasma interactions and engineering new laser-driven high-energy particle sources both require accurate and robust predictions. Experiments rely on particle-in-cell simulations to predict and interpret outcomes, but unknowns in modeling the interaction limit the simulations to qualitative predictions, too uncertain to test the quantum theory. To establish a basis for quantitative prediction, we introduce a 'jet' observable that parameterizes the emitted photon distribution and quantifies a highly directional flux of high-energy photon emission. Jets are identified by the observable under a variety of physical conditions and shown to be most prominent when the laser pulse forms a wavelength-scale channel through the target. The highest energy photons are generally emitted in the direction of the jet. The observable is compatible with characteristics of photon emission from quantum theory. This work offers quantitative guidance for the design of experiments and detectors, offering a foundation to use photon emission to interpret dynamics during high-intensity laser-plasma experiments and validate quantum radiation theory in strong fields.

Creating QED Photon Jets with Present-Day Lasers

“…Ideally, models would be validated in specialized experiments using present-day lasers before being widely deployed as a predictive tool for experiments on future laser systems that are sure to have strong, quantum electrodynamic (QED), radiation effects. Previous simulations have predicted large numbers of high-energy photons [11][12][13][14][15][16][17] that can help test QED models used in simulation codes. However, none of these simulations have been realized experimentally because they rely on lasers more powerful than are currently operational, specialized micro-structured targets requiring precision pulse control, or both.…”