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arXiv · 1403.5034

The effect of non-linear quantum electrodynamics on relativistic transparency and laser absorption in ultra-relativistic plasmas

Peng Zhang·A. G. R. Thomas·C. P. Ridgers
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Abstract

With the aid of large-scale three-dimensional QED-PIC simulations, we describe a realistic experimental configuration to measure collective effects that couple strong field quantum electrodynamics to plasma kinetics. For two counter propagating lasers interacting with a foil at intensities exceeding $10^{22}$ Wcm$^{-2}$, a binary result occurs; when quantum effects are included, a foil that classically would effectively transmit the laser pulse becomes opaque. This is a dramatic change in plasma behavior, directly as a consequence of the coupling of radiation reaction and pair production to plasma dynamics.

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Peng Zhang, A. G. R. Thomas, C. P. Ridgers. 2014-03-20. The effect of non-linear quantum electrodynamics on relativistic transparency and laser absorption in ultra-relativistic plasmas. https://doi.org/10.1088/1367-2630/17/4/043051

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