Peak intensity measurement of relativistic lasers via nonlinear Thomson scattering

TL;DR

This paper proposes a practical method to measure extremely high laser intensities by analyzing the directional radiation emitted when ultrarelativistic electrons interact with the laser pulse, enabling accurate measurements up to 10^{23} W/cm^2.

Contribution

It introduces a novel, all-optical technique using nonlinear Thomson scattering for precise peak intensity measurement of relativistic lasers.

Findings

Method can measure intensities up to 10^{23} W/cm^2

Achieves theoretical accuracy of about 10%

Utilizes high-energy electrons from laser wake-field accelerators

Abstract

The measurement of peak laser intensities exceeding $10^{20} \text{W/cm$^2$}$ is in general a very challenging task. We suggest a simple method to accurately measure such high intensities up to about $10^{23} \text{W/cm$^2$}$, by colliding a beam of ultrarelativistic electrons with the laser pulse. The method exploits the high directionality of the radiation emitted by ultrarelativistic electrons via nonlinear Thomson scattering. Initial electron energies well within the reach of laser wake-field accelerators are required, allowing in principle for an all-optical setup. Accuracies of the order of 10% are theoretically envisaged.