Electron-positron pair production in the presence of strong and oscillating electromagnetic fields

• Applicant: Privatdozent Dr. Günter Plunien
• Subject Area: Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas
• Term: from 2017 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 388776593

This project aims at the theoretical study of the electron-positron pair-creation process in strong laser fields varying in space and time. The pair-production probabilities will be calculated for the case of two counter-propagating laser beams beyond the dipole approximation and beyond the standing-wave approximation by means of a nonperturbative numerical technique. In particular, the pulse shape effects on observable quantities and characteristics of the pair-production process will be examined. Besides, we will study the scenario of a strong but slowly varying electric field superimposed by a weak but fast pulse (dynamically assistant Schwinger effect). Taking into account the spatial dependence of the external fields within these problems and the analysis of various pulse shapes will allow to find the most favorable configurations needed for the experimental observation of the Schwinger effect.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Russia
• Partner Organisation: Russian Foundation for Basic Research
• Cooperation Partner: Professor Dr. Vladimir M. Shabaev