Resonant Energization of Relativistic particles by an Intense Electromagnetic Wave

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a semiclassical mechanism where relativistic quantum particles can be resonantly energized by intense electromagnetic waves, potentially explaining cosmic ray acceleration and suggesting laboratory test possibilities.

Contribution

It introduces a novel wave-wave interaction mechanism for energizing relativistic particles via resonance with intense EM waves, combining quantum and classical wave dynamics.

Findings

Resonant energization occurs when quantum and classical wave phase speeds match.

Particles can gain extremely high energies directly from intense EM fields.

The theory predicts testable outcomes in laser experiments.

Abstract

The phenomenon of resonant energization of a relativistic quantum particle, moving in unison with an intense ElectroMagnetic Wave, is demonstrated in a semiclassical calculation. The wave nature of the quantum particle is of essence because the resonant process originates in wave-wave interaction-between the classical EM wave, and the quantum wave associated with the particle. When the energy /momentum of the quantum wave satisfy the resonance condition (the effective phase speeds of the two waves are equal), the particle, drawing energy directly from the intense EM field, could acquire extremely high energies Such a direct resonant energy transfer from intense Electromagnetic waves will constitute a hitherto unexploited mechanism that could power the most energetic of cosmic rays. Some predictions of the theory will, hopefully, be tested in the laboratory Laser experiments.