Probing strong-field QED with Doppler-boosted PetaWatt-class lasers

TL;DR

This paper proposes a novel method using relativistic plasma mirrors to Doppler-boost laser intensities, enabling the exploration of strong-field QED phenomena beyond current technological limits.

Contribution

It introduces a new scheme employing plasma mirrors to enhance laser intensity via Doppler effect, allowing access to previously unreachable strong-field QED regimes.

Findings

Doppler-boosted laser intensities can reach extreme fields.

Clear signatures of strong-field QED can be observed.

The scheme extends the experimental capabilities of current laser technology.

Abstract

We propose a scheme to explore regimes of strong-field Quantum Electrodynamics (SF-QED) otherwise unattainable with the currently available laser technology. The scheme relies on relativistic plasma mirrors curved by radiation pressure to boost the intensity of PetaWatt-class laser pulses by Doppler effect and focus them to extreme field intensities. We show that very clear SF-QED signatures could be observed by placing a secondary target where the boosted beam is focused.