ORCID

Abstract

QED perturbation theory has been conjectured to break down in sufficiently strong backgrounds, obstructing the analysis of strong-field physics. We show that the breakdown occurs even in classical electrodynamics, at lower field strengths than previously considered, and that it may be cured by resummation. As a consequence, an analogous resummation is required in QED. A detailed investigation shows, for a range of observables, that unitarity removes diagrams previously believed to be responsible for the breakdown of QED perturbation theory.

Publication Date

2021-08-06

Publication Title

Physical Review Letters

Volume

127

Issue

6

ISSN

0031-9007

Acceptance Date

2021-06-30

Deposit Date

2021-09-20

Embargo Period

2021-09-21

Share

COinS