Improved local-constant-field approximation for strong-field QED codes

The local-constant-field approximation (LCFA) is an essential theoretical tool for investigating strong-field QED phenomena in background electromagnetic fields with complex spacetime structure. In our previous work [Phys.~Rev.~A~\textbf{98}, 012134 (2018)] we have analyzed the shortcomings of the LCFA in nonlinear Compton scattering at low emitted photon energies for the case of a background plane-wave field. Here, we generalize that analysis to background fields, which can feature a virtually arbitrary spacetime structure. In addition, we provide an explicit and simple implementation of an improved expression of the nonlinear Compton scattering differential probability that solves the main shortcomings of the standard LCFA in the infrared region, and is suitable for background electromagnetic fields with arbitrary spacetime structure such as those occurring in particle-in-cell simulations. Finally, we carry out a systematic procedure to calculate the probability of nonlinear Compton scattering per unit of emitted photon light-cone energy and of nonlinear Breit-Wheeler pair production per unit of produced positron light-cone energy beyond the LCFA in a plane-wave background field, which allows us to identify the limits of validity of this approximation quantitatively.Comment: 15 pages, 3 figure

Implementing nonlinear Compton scattering beyond the local constant field approximation

In the calculation of probabilities of physical processes occurring in a background classical field, the local constant field approximation (LCFA) relies on the possibility of neglecting the space-time variation of the external field within the region of formation of the process. This approximation is widely employed in strong-field QED as it allows to evaluate probabilities of processes occurring in arbitrary electromagnetic fields starting from the corresponding quantities computed in a constant electromagnetic field. Here, we demonstrate in the case of nonlinear single Compton scattering that the LCFA is quantitatively and qualitatively insufficient for describing the low-energy part of the emitted photon probability. In addition, we provide a simple recipe to implement an improved expression of the photon emission probability beyond the LCFA in numerical codes, which are an essential tool to interpret present and upcoming experiments in strong-field QED.Comment: 12 pages, 3 figur

Pair production in a strong slowly varying magnetic field: the effect of a background gravitational field

The production probability of an $e^--e^+$ pair in the presence of a strong, uniform and slowly varying magnetic field is calculated by taking into account the presence of a background gravitational field. The curvature of the spacetime metric induced by the gravitational field not only changes the transition probabilities calculated in the Minkowski spacetime but also primes transitions that are strictly forbidden in absence of the gravitational field.Comment: 56 pages, no figure

One-loop vertex correction in a plane wave

We compute the general expression of the one-loop vertex correction in an arbitrary plane-wave background field for the case of two on-shell external electrons and an off-shell external photon. The properties of the vertex corrections under gauge transformations of the plane-wave background field and of the radiation field are studied. Concerning the divergences of the vertex correction, the infrared one is cured by assigning a finite mass to the photon, whereas the ultraviolet one is shown to be renormalized exactly as in vacuum. Finally, the corresponding expression of the vertex correction within the locally-constant crossed field is also derived and the high-field asymptotic is shown to scale according to the Ritus-Narozhny conjecture.Comment: 42 pages, 5 figure

Immersive Virtual Reality for Cultural Heritage Exploration

Virtual Reality can provide an immersive experience that allows cultural heritage to be experienced in a more realistic and immersive way than traditional showcasing techniques. The objective of this paper is to provide a software pipeline that can be adopted for the realization of immersive experiences in cultural heritage sites. This work has been realized within the 3DLab-Sicilia project, which includes the realization of immersive virtual tours of UNESCO World Heritage sites located in the Sicily area (Italy)

Troponina e infarto periprocedurale: filo di Arianna o folle volo di Icaro?

Percutaneous coronary interventions cause frequently an increase in myocardial necrosis markers. Is troponin elevation after percutaneous coronary intervention a predictor of events at follow-up or a consequence of the procedure with no cause-effect relationship with prognosis? The debate is still ope