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Seeded QED cascades in counterpropagating laser pulses.
T Grismayer1, M Vranic1, J L Martins1
1GoLP/Instituto de Plasmas e Fusão Nuclear, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
Physical Review. E
|March 17, 2017
Summary
Simulations reveal how seeded quantum electrodynamics (QED) cascades grow in intense lasers. These findings on relativistic pair plasmas and gamma-ray production inform future high-intensity laser experiments.
Area of Science:
- Quantum Electrodynamics (QED)
- Plasma Physics
- High-Intensity Laser Physics
Background:
- Quantum electrodynamics (QED) cascades are crucial phenomena in high-intensity laser-matter interactions.
- Understanding cascade growth dynamics is essential for predicting particle and photon production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To calculate the growth rates of seeded QED cascades in counterpropagating lasers.
- To compare simulation results with analytical models for validation and insight.
- To investigate the cascade threshold and its dependence on laser parameters.
Main Methods:
- First-principles two- and three-dimensional QED-PIC (particle-in-cell) simulations.
- Development and application of analytical models for QED cascade growth.
- Comparison of numerical and analytical results to understand trends.
Main Results:
- Calculated growth rates of seeded QED cascades in counterpropagating laser fields.
- Demonstrated dependence of growth rate on laser polarization and intensity.
- Analytical models support simulation findings and provide qualitative trends.
- Identified cascade threshold based on combined analytical and numerical data.
Conclusions:
- Relativistic pair plasmas can be generated in future ultraintense laser facilities.
- Efficient conversion of laser photons to gamma rays is achievable.
- Results are relevant for upcoming facilities like ELI and Vulcan.
