Signatures of High-Intensity Compton Scattering

TL;DR

This paper discusses new observable signatures of high-intensity Compton scattering, including a red-shift of the Compton edge and intensity-dependent changes in the scattering frame, relevant for laser-electron collision experiments.

Contribution

It introduces novel signatures such as the intensity-dependent red-shift and frame transition effects in high-intensity Compton scattering, expanding understanding of laser-electron interactions.

Findings

Red-shift of the Compton edge at high intensities

Emergence of higher harmonic peaks in the photon spectrum

Transition from inverse to ordinary Compton scattering with intensity tuning

Abstract

We review known and discuss new signatures of high-intensity Compton scattering assuming a scenario where a high-power laser is brought into collision with an electron beam. At high intensities one expects to see a substantial red-shift of the usual kinematic Compton edge of the photon spectrum caused by the large, intensity dependent, effective mass of the electrons within the laser beam. Emission rates acquire their global maximum at this edge while neighbouring smaller peaks signal higher harmonics. In addition, we find that the notion of the centre-of-mass frame for a given harmonic becomes intensity dependent. Tuning the intensity then effectively amounts to changing the frame of reference, going continuously from inverse to ordinary Compton scattering with the centre-of-mass kinematics defining the transition point between the two.