Probing Strong-Field QED with Doppler-Boosted Petawatt-Class Lasers
Luca Fedeli, Antonin Sainte-Marie, N. Zaïm, Maxence Thévenet, Jean-Luc Vay, Andrew Myers, F. Quéré, Henri Vincenti
Abstract
We propose a scheme to explore regimes of strong-field quantum electrodynamics (SF QED) otherwise unattainable with the currently available laser technology. The scheme relies on relativistic plasma mirrors curved by radiation pressure to boost the intensity of petawatt-class laser pulses by Doppler effect and focus them to extreme field intensities. We show that very clear SF QED signatures could be observed by placing a secondary target where the boosted beam is focused.
Topics & Concepts
PhysicsLaserDoppler effectField (mathematics)RadiationOpticsQuantum electrodynamicsQuantum mechanicsMathematicsPure mathematicsLaser-Plasma Interactions and DiagnosticsLaser-Matter Interactions and ApplicationsHigh-pressure geophysics and materials