Quantum radiation reaction: from interference to incoherence

TL;DR

This paper explores quantum radiation reaction effects in laser-electron interactions, revealing interference-dominated regimes with unique measurable signatures that differ from classical predictions.

Contribution

It introduces a fully quantum approach that captures interference effects in radiation reaction, extending understanding beyond classical and incoherent models.

Findings

Identification of a quantum interference-dominated regime

Signatures in electron spectra with no classical analogue

Measurable effects with current laser and accelerator technology

Abstract

We investigate quantum radiation reaction in laser-electron interactions across different energy and intensity regimes. Using a fully quantum approach which also accounts exactly for the effect of the strong laser pulse on the electron motion, we identify in particular a regime in which radiation reaction is dominated by quantum interference. We find signatures of quantum radiation reaction in the electron spectra which have no classical analogue and which cannot be captured by the incoherent approximations typically used in the high-intensity regime. These signatures are measurable with presently available laser and accelerator technology.