Quantum splitting of electron peaks in ultra-strong fields

Effects of multiple nonlinear Compton scattering on electrons in ultra-strong fields are described using analytic formulas similar to those in the theory of multiple bremsstrahlung. Based on these analytic formulas, a new pure quantum effect of multiple nonlinear Compton scattering called quantum peak splitting is identified: the electron peak splits into two when the average number of nonlinear Compton scatterings per electron passes a threshold of 5.1 and is below 9. Quantum peak splitting stems from the discreteness of quantum radiation reaction, with one of the split peaks being formed by electrons emitting zero to three times and the other by electrons emitting four or more times. This effect provides a new mechanism for the formation of electron peaks, imposes a new beamstrahlung limit on future colliders, and corrects the picture of quantum radiation reaction. Experiments can be performed on lasers with intensities. greater than or similar to 10(21) W/cm(2), which are reachable on PW-scale facilities.

Automated summary

This article describes the effects of multiple nonlinear Compton scattering on electrons in ultra-strong fields using analytic formulas similar to those in the theory of multiple bremsstrahlung. Based on these formulas, a new pure quantum effect called quantum peak splitting is identified, where the electron peak splits into two when the average number of nonlinear Compton scatterings per electron reaches 5.1 and is below 9. This effect provides a new mechanism for the formation of electron peaks, imposes a new beamstrahlung limit on future colliders, and corrects the picture of quantum radiation reaction.