Three-Dimensional Theory of Nonlinear Compton Scattering

For visible laser wavelengths, at intensities exceeding 10^17 W/cm^2, Compton scattering becomes a nonlinear process, whereby the probability of coherent multiphoton scattering is large, and the effects of radiation pressure dominate the electron dynamics during the interaction. This process has been studied in the single-particle plane-wave limit^1, where focusing, diffraction, Guoy phase, and the electron beam phase space are ignored; novel phenomena, including anharmonic radiation, and multiphoton scattering are predicted in this regime, and were observed for electrons initially at rest^2, or indirectly^3. A fully three-dimensional analysis is presented here, as well as experimental plans for a test of the theory. Finally, a new approach to nonlinear Compton scattering, relying on temporal laser pulse-shaping in circular polarization, will also be discussed, with the potential to generate extremely bright, hard x-rays required for in situ material probing and advanced backlighting applications. 1. F.V. Hartemann, "High-Field Electrodynamics", CRC Press (2002). 2. S-y Chen, A. Maksimchuk, D. Umstadter, Nature 396, p. 653 (1998). 3. C. Bula, et al., Phys. Rev. Lett., Vol. 76, p. 3116 (1996). This work is supported under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract No. W-7405-ENG-48, and by the National Undergraduate Fusion program.