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arXiv · 1805.01762

Nonlinear Compton scattering of an ultra-intense laser pulse in a plasma

F. Mackenroth·N. Kumar·N. Neitz·C. H. Keitel
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Abstract

Laser pulses traveling through a plasma can feature group velocities significantly differing from the speed of light in vacuum. This modifies the well-known Volkov states of an electron inside a strong laser-field from the vacuum case and consequently all quantum electrodynamical effects triggered by the electron. Here we present an in-depth study of the basic process of photon emission by an electron scattered from an intense short laser pulse inside a plasma, labeled nonlinear Compton scattering, based on modified Volkov solutions derived from first principles. Consequences of the nonlinear, plasma-dressed laser dispersion on the Compton spectra of emitted photons and implications for high-intensity laser-plasma experiments are pointed out.

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F. Mackenroth, N. Kumar, N. Neitz, C. H. Keitel. 2018-05-04. Nonlinear Compton scattering of an ultra-intense laser pulse in a plasma. https://doi.org/10.1103/physreve.99.033205

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