A Platform for All-optical Thomson/ Compton Scattering with Versatile Parameters

TL;DR

This paper introduces a versatile all-optical platform for Thomson/Compton scattering, capable of generating tunable X/gamma-rays and exploring strong-field quantum electrodynamics effects with future high-power laser integration.

Contribution

The development of a dual-beam, adjustable collision-angle platform combined with a high-power laser system for tunable X/gamma-ray generation and quantum electrodynamics verification.

Findings

Generated tunable X/gamma-rays from tens of keV to MeV.

Manipulated radiation polarization via laser polarization control.

Proposed future experiments with multi-PW lasers for advanced quantum electrodynamics tests.

Abstract

A dual-beam platform for all-optical electron-photon scattering, or Thomson/Compton scattering, with adjustable collision-angle and parameter tuning ability has been developed, which, in principle, can be used for the verification of strong-field quantum electrodynamics effects. Combining this platform with a 200 TW Ti:Sapphire laser system, we demonstrated the generation of inverse Compton scattering X/gamma-rays with tunable energies from tens of keV to MeV. The polarization of X/gamma radiation was manipulated by controlling the polarization of scattering laser. In the near future, by combining this experimental platform with multi-PW laser facilities, it is proposed to experimentally generate X/gamma radiation with orbital angular momentum for the nuclear isomer excitation, and more importantly, to explore the regime transition from nonlinear Thomson scattering to nonlinear Compton scattering, eventually to demonstrate the verification of theories on extremely strong field quantum electrodynamics effects.