title: Transverse spreading of electrons in high-intensity laser fields.
abstract: We show that for collisions of electrons with a high-intensity laser, discrete photon emissions introduce a transverse beam spread that is distinct from that due to classical (or beam shape) effects. Via numerical simulations, we show that this quantum induced transverse momentum gain of the electron is manifest in collisions with a realistic laser pulse of intensity within reach of current technology, and we propose it as a measurable signature of strong-field quantum electrodynamics.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Plasma Physics, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: D G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Green
authors.affiliation: Centre for Plasma Physics, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: C N
authors.initials: CN
authors.lastname: Harvey