Electron dynamics controlled via self-interaction

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that the trajectory of ultrarelativistic electrons in bichromatic laser fields can be precisely controlled via radiation reaction effects, enabling phase-dependent deflections observable with current laser technology.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method to control electron dynamics using phase adjustments in bichromatic laser pulses, leveraging radiation reaction effects.

Findings

Electron deflection angle is independent of initial energy.

Control achieved through phase variation of laser components.

Effect observable with current petawatt laser systems.

Abstract

The dynamics of an electron in a strong laser field can be significantly altered by radiation reaction. This usually results in a strongly damped motion, with the electron losing a large fraction of its initial energy. Here we show that the electron dynamics in a bichromatic laser pulse can be indirectly controlled by a comparatively small radiation reaction force through its interplay with the Lorentz force. By changing the relative phase between the two frequency components of the bichromatic laser field, an ultrarelativistic electron bunch colliding head-on with the laser pulse can be deflected in a controlled way, with the deflection angle being independent of the initial electron energy. The effect is predicted to be observable with laser powers and intensities close to those of current state-of-the-art petawatt laser systems.