ORCID
- James Edwards: 0000-0001-6545-1193
- Tom Heinzl: 0000-0001-8954-1986
- B. King: 0000-0003-4489-8468
Abstract
Quantum field theory predicts a nonlinear response of the vacuum to strong electromagnetic fields of macroscopicextent. This fundamental tenet has remained experimentally challenging and is yet to be tested in the laboratory. Aparticularly distinct signature of the resulting optical activity of the quantum vacuum is vacuum birefringence. Thisoffers an excellent opportunity for a precision test of nonlinear quantum electrodynamics in an uncharted parameterregime. Recently, the operation of the high-intensity Relativistic Laser at the X-ray Free Electron Laser provided bythe Helmholtz International Beamline for Extreme Fields has been inaugurated at the High Energy Density scientificinstrument of the European X-ray Free Electron Laser. We make the case that this worldwide unique combination of anX-ray free-electron laser and an ultra-intense near-infrared laser together with recent advances in high-precision X-raypolarimetry, refinements of prospective discovery scenarios and progress in their accurate theoretical modelling have setthe stage for performing an actual discovery experiment of quantum vacuum nonlinearity.
DOI Link
DOI
10.1017/hpl.2024.70
Publication Date
2025-03-12
Publication Title
High Power Laser Science and Engineering
Volume
13
ISSN
2095-4719
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
First Page
7
Last Page
7
Recommended Citation
Edwards, J., Heinzl, T., & King, B. (2025) 'Towards a vacuum birefringence experiment at the Helmholtz International Beamline for Extreme Fields: Letter of Intent of the BIREF@HIBEF Collaboration', High Power Laser Science and Engineering, 13, pp. 7-7. Available at: 10.1017/hpl.2024.70
