https://doi.org/10.1140/epjst/e2014-02156-4
Review
Extreme quantum field theory and particle physics with IZEST
Physics Department, University of Connecticut
Received: 13 March 2014
Revised: 24 March 2014
Published online: 4 June 2014
The prospect of next-generation ultra-high-intensity laser sources has prompted recent renewed study of nonlinear QED processes, such as the Schwinger effect, in which the instability of the QED vacuum is probed by external fields. Experimental observation of these nonlinear QED effects would provide unprecedented controlled access to non-perturbative processes in quantum field theory under extreme conditions, which is of direct interest in particle physics and astrophysical applications. I summarize important theoretical issues, both conceptual and computational, related to these nonlinear QED effects.
© EDP Sciences, Springer-Verlag, 2014