https://doi.org/10.1140/epjd/e2009-00006-0
Strong laser fields as a probe for fundamental physics
Theoretisch-Physikalisches Institut,
Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Max-Wien-Platz 1, 07743 Jena, Germany
Corresponding author: a holger.gies@uni-jena.de
Received:
17
November
2008
Published online:
6
February
2009
Upcoming high-intensity laser systems will be able to probe the quantum-induced nonlinear regime of electrodynamics. So far unobserved QED phenomena such as the discovery of a nonlinear response of the quantum vacuum to macroscopic electromagnetic fields can become accessible. In addition, such laser systems provide for a flexible tool for investigating fundamental physics. Primary goals consist in verifying so far unobserved QED phenomena. Moreover, strong-field experiments can search for new light but weakly interacting degrees of freedom and are thus complementary to accelerator-driven experiments. I review recent developments in this field, focusing on photon experiments in strong electromagnetic fields. The interaction of particle-physics candidates with photons and external fields can be parameterized by low-energy effective actions and typically predict characteristic optical signatures. I perform first estimates of the accessible new-physics parameter space of high-intensity laser facilities such as POLARIS and ELI.
PACS: 12.20.-m – Quantum electrodynamics / 42.81.Gs – Birefringence, polarization / 14.80.-j – Other particles (including hypothetical)
© EDP Sciences, Società Italiana di Fisica, Springer-Verlag, 2009
