2014/07/24 by A. A. Mironov, N. B. Narozhny, A. M. Fedotov · 1 citation
Physics and Astronomy · #hep-ph #physics.plasm-ph
paper · pdf · doi:10.1016/j.physleta.2014.09.058
4 pages, 3 figures
arxiv created 2014/07/24 · arxiv updated 2015/06/22
We consider interaction of a high-energy electron beam with two counterpropagating femtosecond laser pulses. Nonlinear Compton scattering and electron-positron pair production by the emitted photons result in development of an electromagnetic "shower-type" cascade, which however collapses rather quickly due to energy losses by secondary particles. Nevertheless, the laser field accelerates the low-energy electrons and positrons trapped in the focal region, thus giving rise to development of electromagnetic cascade of another type ("avalanche-type"). This effect of cascade collapse and revival can be observed at the electron beam energy of the order of several GeV and intensity of the colliding laser pulses of the level of 1024W/cm2. This means that it can be readily observed at the novel laser facilities which are either planned for the nearest future, or are already under construction. The proposed experimental setup provides the most realistic and promissory way to observe the "avalanche-type" cascades.