Non-linear Breit-Wheeler process in short laser double-pulses

TL;DR

This paper investigates how two short laser pulses influence electron-positron pair production via the non-linear Breit-Wheeler process, revealing azimuthal anisotropy effects sensitive to pulse shape and separation.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed QED analysis of pair production in double-pulse laser fields, highlighting the impact of pulse shape and timing on azimuthal distributions.

Findings

Pronounced azimuthal anisotropy in pair production

Anisotropy decreases with increasing pulse width

Temporal shape and separation critically affect cross sections

Abstract

The non-linear (strong-field) Breit-Wheeler $e^+e^-$ pair production by a probe photon traversing two consecutive short and ultra short (sub-cycle) laser pulses is considered within a QED framework. The temporal shape of the pulses and the distance between them are essential for the differential cross section as a function of the azimuthal angle distribution of the outgoing electron (positron). The found effect of a pronounced azimuthal anisotropy is important for sub-cycle pulses and decreases rapidly with increasing width of the individual pulses.