Gamma-Flash Generation in Multi-Petawatt Laser-Matter Interactions

Abstract

The progressive development of high power lasers over the last several decades, enables the study of ${\hat{I}}^3$-photon generation when an intense laser beam interacts with matter, mainly via inverse Compton scattering at the high intensity limit. ${\hat{I}}^3$-ray flashes are a phenomenon of broad interest, drawing attention of researchers working in topics ranging from cosmological scales to elementary particle scales. Over the last few years, a plethora of studies predict extremely high laser energy to ${\hat{I}}^3$-photon energy conversion using various target and/or laser field configurations. The aim of the present manuscript is to discuss several recently proposed ${\hat{I}}^3$-ray flash generation schemes, as a guide for upcoming ${\hat{I}}^3$-photon related experiments and for further evolution of the presently available theoretical schemes.

12 pages, 8 figures