High-intensity scattering processes of relativistic electrons in vacuum
- Institute for Laser Science and Applications, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California94550
Recent advances in novel technologies such as chirped pulse amplification and high gradient rf photoinjectors make it possible to study experimentally the interaction of relativistic electrons with ultrahigh intensity photon fields. Femtosecond laser systems operating in the TW{endash}PW range are now available, as well as synchronized relativistic electron bunches with subpicosecond durations and THz bandwidths. Ponderomotive scattering can accelerate these electrons with extremely high gradients in a three-dimensional vacuum laser focus. The nonlinear Doppler shift induced by relativistic radiation pressure in Compton backscattering is shown to yield complex nonlinear spectra which can be modified by using temporal laser pulse shaping techniques. Colliding lasers pulses, where ponderomotive acceleration and Compton backscattering are combined, could also yield extremely short wavelength photons. Finally, strong radiative corrections are expected when the Doppler-upshifted laser wavelength approaches the Compton scale. These are discussed within the context of high field classical electrodynamics, a new discipline borne out of the aforementioned innovations. {copyright} {ital 1998 American Institute of Physics.}
- OSTI ID:
- 627794
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-971103-; ISSN 1070-664X; TRN: 98:006146
- Journal Information:
- Physics of Plasmas, Vol. 5, Issue 5; Conference: 39. annual meeting of the Division of Plasma Physics of the American Physical Society, Pittsburgh, PA (United States), 17-21 Nov 1997; Other Information: PBD: May 1998
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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