Speaker: James P. Edwards (University of Plymouth, UK)

Title: "An overview of developments in “Strong Field QED”.

Abstract: 
We will summarise research efforts in the area of quantum field theory in strong background fields, with a focus on quantum electrodynamics in a strong electromagnetic background (SFQED).The strong interaction with the background requires it to be treated non-perturbatively, and leads to a theory that contains linear and nonlinear corrections to familiar QED in vacuum. This theory is crucial for experiments at current and upcoming high intensity laser facilities.    
We will highlight some simple consequences such as how scattering amplitudes change in the presence of the background, before presenting some more profound results regarding the stability of the quantum vacuum and the breakdown of a perturbative approach to calculating loop corrections. 

Link Teams

Hosts: Guido Goldoni and Olindo Corradini