QED cascades induced by circularly polarized laser fields

Abstract

The results of Monte-Carlo simulations of electron-positron-photon cascades initiated by slow electrons in circularly polarized fields of ultrahigh strength are presented and discussed. Our results confirm previous qualitative estimations of the formation of cascades. This sort of cascade has revealed a new property of restoration of energy and dynamical quantum parameter due to acceleration of electrons and positrons by the field. This may become a dominating feature of laser-matter interactions at ultrahigh intensities. Our approach incorporates radiation friction acting on individual electrons and positrons. © 2011 American Physical Society.