Strong Field Physics: Probing Critical Acceleration and Inertia with Laser Pulses and Quark-Gluon Plasma

TL;DR

This paper discusses the importance of exploring critical acceleration in strong field physics, emphasizing the potential of laser and quark-gluon plasma experiments to test quantum and classical particle dynamics in extreme conditions.

Contribution

It highlights the experimental feasibility of reaching critical acceleration with current laser technology and discusses theoretical challenges in understanding high field quantum phenomena.

Findings

High intensity lasers can achieve critical acceleration conditions.

Heavy ion collisions approach the critical domain but involve complex physics.

Theoretical frameworks need revision to address radiation reaction and vacuum instability.

Abstract

Understanding physics in domains of critical (quantum unstable) fields requires investigating the classical and quantum particle dynamics at the critical acceleration, $\dot u \to 1$ [natural units]. This regime of physics remains today experimentally practically untested. Particle and light collision experiments reaching critical acceleration are becoming feasible, in particular applying available high intensity laser technology. Ultra-relativistic heavy ion collisions breach the critical domain but are complicated by the presence of much other physics. The infamous problem of radiation reaction and the challenging environment of quantum vacuum instability arising in the high field domain signal the need for a thorough redress of the present theoretical framework.