Probing the transition from classical to quantum radiation reaction in relativistic plasma

TL;DR

This paper investigates the transition from classical to quantum radiation reaction in relativistic plasma, analyzing how quantum effects emerge as the quantum parameter increases and how plasma parameters influence this transition.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of the gradual shift from classical to quantum radiation reaction regimes in relativistic plasma under a circularly polarized field.

Findings

Quantum effects become significant at higher $hi$-parameters.

Deviations between classical and quantum models depend on plasma density and temperature.

Wave energy loss and frequency up-conversion are affected by quantum corrections.

Abstract

We study the transition from classical radiation reaction, described by the Landau-Lifshitz model, to the quantum mechanical regime. The plasma is subject to a circularly polarized field where the self-consistent plasma current is the source of the electromagnetic field through Ampere's law. The radiation reaction implies wave energy loss, frequency up-conversion, and a modified distribution function. Increasing the value of the quantum $\chi$-parameter, the quantum results gradually differ from the classical ones. Moreover, the deviation between models also depends on the plasma parameters, including density and temperature. We discuss the implications of our findings.