Testing the photon--photon sector of quantum electrodynamics with free-electron lasers

Journal Article · Mon May 01 00:00:00 EDT 1989 · J. Opt. Soc. Am. B: Opt. Phys.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1364/JOSAB.6.001083· OSTI ID:6319748

Becker, W; McIver, J K; Schlicher, R R

Bright short-wavelength free-electron lasers with a high repetition rate may allow for experimental tests of the photon--photon sector of quantum electrodynamics. Since the relevant cross sections are optimal for photons with an energy of the order of the electron rest mass, Compton backscattering of the free-electron-laser electron beam is suggested to generate intense photon beams in this energy range that are then brought to head-on collision. The rates for photon--photon scattering, electron--positron pair creation by two and three photons, and harmonic production in Compton backscattering are estimated. Chances of experimental verification may be highest for pair creation by two photons (the Breit--Wheeler process).

• Research Organization: Center for Advanced Studies, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131
• OSTI ID: 6319748
• Journal Information: J. Opt. Soc. Am. B: Opt. Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Opt. Soc. Am. B: Opt. Phys.; (United States) Vol. 6:5; ISSN JOBPD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

645400* -- High Energy Physics-- Field Theory
72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS
ANTILEPTONS
ANTIMATTER
ANTIPARTICLES
BACKSCATTERING
BASIC INTERACTIONS
BEAMS
COLLISIONS
COMPTON EFFECT
ELASTIC SCATTERING
ELECTRODYNAMICS
ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERACTIONS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELECTRONS
ELEMENTARY PARTICLES
EXTREME ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION
FERMIONS
FIELD THEORIES
FREE ELECTRON LASERS
INTERACTIONS
LASERS
LEPTONS
PAIR PRODUCTION
PHOTON BEAMS
PHOTON COLLISIONS
POSITRONS
QUANTUM ELECTRODYNAMICS
QUANTUM FIELD THEORY
RADIATIONS
SCATTERING
TESTING
ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION