Experimental evidence of quantum radiation reaction in aligned crystals

Tobias N. Wistisen*, Antonino Di Piazza, Helge V. Knudsen, Ulrik I. Uggerhoj

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal/Conference contribution in journal/Contribution to newspaperJournal articleResearchpeer-review

103 Citations (Scopus)
233 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Quantum radiation reaction is the influence of multiple photon emissions from a charged particle on the particle's dynamics, characterized by a significant energy-momentum loss per emission. Here we report experimental radiation emission spectra from ultrarelativistic positrons in silicon in a regime where quantum radiation reaction effects dominate the positron's dynamics. Our analysis shows that while the widely used quantum approach is overall the best model, it does not completely describe all the data in this regime. Thus, these experimental findings may prompt seeking more generally valid methods to describe quantum radiation reaction. This experiment is a fundamental test of quantum electrodynamics in a regime where the dynamics of charged particles is strongly influenced not only by the external electromagnetic fields but also by the radiation field generated by the charges themselves and where each photon emission may significantly reduce the energy of the charge.

Original languageEnglish
Article number795
JournalNature Communications
Volume9
Issue1
Number of pages6
ISSN2041-1723
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2018

Keywords

  • ELECTRONS

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Experimental evidence of quantum radiation reaction in aligned crystals'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this