Non-linear Compton scattering of ultrahigh-intensity laser pulses

Abstract

We present results for the photon spectrum emitted in non-linear Compton scattering of pulsed ultra-strong laser fields off relativistic electrons for intensities up to $a_0\gtrsim 100$ and pulse lengths of a few laser cycles. At ultrahigh laser intensity, it is appropriate to average over the sub- structures of the differential photon spectrum. Supplementing this procedure with a stationary phase approximation one can evaluate the total emission probability. We find the photon yield in pulsed fields to be up to a factor of ten larger than results obtained from a monochromatic wave calculation.

20 pages, 5 figures