Spin dynamics in relativistic light-matter interaction

Heiko Bauke; Sven Ahrens; Christoph H. Keitel; Rainer Grobe

doi:10.1117/12.2178191

1 May 2015 Spin dynamics in relativistic light-matter interaction

Heiko Bauke, Sven Ahrens, Christoph H. Keitel, Rainer Grobe

Proceedings Volume 9515, Research Using Extreme Light: Entering New Frontiers with Petawatt-Class Lasers II; 95150L (2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2178191
Event: SPIE Optics + Optoelectronics, 2015, Prague, Czech Republic

Abstract

Various spin effects are expected to become observable in light-matter interaction at relativistic intensities. Relativistic quantum mechanics equipped with a suitable relativistic spin operator forms the theoretical foundation for describing these effects. Various proposals for relativistic spin operators have been offered by different authors, which are presented in a unified way. As a result of the operators’ mathematical properties only the Foldy-Wouthuysen operator and the Pryce operator qualify as possible proper relativistic spin operators. The ground states of highly charged hydrogen-like ions can be utilized to identify a legitimate relativistic spin operator experimentally. Subsequently, the Foldy-Wouthuysen spin operator is employed to study electron-spin precession in high-intensity standing light waves with elliptical polarization. For a correct theoretical description of the predicted electron-spin precession relativistic effects due to the spin angular momentum of the electromagnetic wave has to be taken into account even in the limit of low intensities.

Citation Download Citation

Heiko Bauke, Sven Ahrens, Christoph H. Keitel, and Rainer Grobe "Spin dynamics in relativistic light-matter interaction", Proc. SPIE 9515, Research Using Extreme Light: Entering New Frontiers with Petawatt-Class Lasers II, 95150L (1 May 2015); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2178191

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KEYWORDS

Magnetism

Electromagnetism

Electrons

Ions

Light-matter interactions

Spin dynamics

Matrices

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