Electron-Positron Plasma Drop Formed by Ultra-Intense Laser Pulses

TL;DR

This paper investigates the properties and longevity of a small electron-positron plasma created by ultra-intense laser pulses, highlighting slow annihilation rates and kinetic equilibrium.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the kinetic behavior and lifespan of laser-induced electron-positron plasma drops, emphasizing their non-equilibrium state and slow annihilation.

Findings

Electrons and positrons reach kinetic equilibrium.

Electron-positron annihilation is very slow.

The plasma drop has a long lifespan.

Abstract

We study the initial properties and positron annihilation within a small electron-positron plasma drop formed by intense laser pulse. Such QED cascade initiated plasma is, in general, far below the chemical (particle yield) equilibrium. We find that the available electrons and positrons equilibrate kinetically, yet despite relatively high particle density, the electron-positron annihilation is very slow, suggesting a rather long lifespan of the plasma drop.