Quantum anti-quenching of radiation from laser-driven structured plasma channels
Skip to main content
eScholarship
Open Access Publications from the University of California

UC San Diego

UC San Diego Previously Published Works bannerUC San Diego

Quantum anti-quenching of radiation from laser-driven structured plasma channels

Abstract

We demonstrate that in the interaction of a high-power laser pulse with a structured solid-density plasma-channel, clear quantum signatures of stochastic radiation emission manifest, disclosing a novel avenue to studying the quantized nature of photon emission. In contrast to earlier findings we observe that the total radiated energy for very short interaction times, achieved by studying thin plasma channel targets, is significantly larger in a quantum radiation model as compared to a calculation including classical radiation reaction, i.e., we observe quantum anti-quenching. By means of a detailed analytical analysis and a refined test particle model, corroborated by a full kinetic plasma simulation, we demonstrate that this counter-intuitive behavior is due to the constant supply of energy to the setup through the driving laser. We comment on an experimental realization of the proposed setup, feasible at upcoming high-intensity laser facilities, since the required thin targets can be manufactured and the driving laser pulses provided with existing technology.

Many UC-authored scholarly publications are freely available on this site because of the UC's open access policies. Let us know how this access is important for you.

Main Content
For improved accessibility of PDF content, download the file to your device.
Current View