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Anomaly-Induced Dynamical Refringence in Strong-Field QED
N Mueller1, F Hebenstreit2, J Berges1
1Institut für Theoretische Physik, Universität Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
Physical Review Letters
|August 20, 2016
Summary
The Adler-Bell-Jackiw anomaly significantly impacts strong-field quantum electrodynamics (QED) out-of-equilibrium, creating unique quantum currents and refractive properties. These findings are crucial for understanding heavy-ion collisions and future laser experiments.
Area of Science:
- Strong-field quantum electrodynamics (QED)
- Non-equilibrium physics
- Particle physics
Background:
- The Adler-Bell-Jackiw anomaly is a key concept in quantum field theory.
- Equilibrium properties of strong-field QED suggest vanishing net anomalous effects.
- Understanding non-equilibrium dynamics is crucial for phenomena like heavy-ion collisions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of the Adler-Bell-Jackiw anomaly on the non-equilibrium evolution of strong-field QED.
- To explore the consequences of out-of-equilibrium conditions on quantum currents and macroscopic signatures.
- To analyze the refractive properties of a highly absorptive medium induced by the anomaly.
Main Methods:
- Real-time lattice gauge theory techniques.
- Simulation of strong-field quantum electrodynamics (QED) beyond the Schwinger limit.
- Analysis of dynamical refractive properties and quantum current behavior.
Main Results:
- Encountered a highly absorptive medium with anomaly-induced dynamical refractive properties.
- Observed dramatic consequences of out-of-equilibrium conditions on quantum currents.
- Identified intriguing tracking behavior near collinear field configurations with maximum anomalous current.
Conclusions:
- Out-of-equilibrium conditions lead to significant anomalous effects in strong-field QED, contrary to equilibrium expectations.
- The findings have potential relevance for future laser experiments.
- Similar phenomena are expected to be important in heavy-ion collisions due to strong QED fields.
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