Kinetic theory for spin-polarized relativistic plasmas

The investigation of spin and polarization effects in ultra-high intensity laser–plasma and laser–beam interactions has become an emergent topic in high-field science recently. In this paper, we derive a relativistic kinetic description of spin-polarized plasmas, where quantum-electrodynamics effect...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Physics of plasmas 2023-09, Vol.30 (9)
Main Authors: Seipt, Daniel, Thomas, Alec G. R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Beam interactions
Electrodynamics
Kinetic equations
Kinetic theory
Mathematical analysis
Plasma physics
Polarization (spin alignment)
Relativistic effects
Relativistic plasmas
Relativistic theory
Spin dynamics
Ultrahigh intensity lasers
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Summary:The investigation of spin and polarization effects in ultra-high intensity laser–plasma and laser–beam interactions has become an emergent topic in high-field science recently. In this paper, we derive a relativistic kinetic description of spin-polarized plasmas, where quantum-electrodynamics effects are taken into account via Boltzmann-type collision operators under the local constant field approximation. The emergence of anomalous precession is derived from one-loop self-energy contributions in a strong background field. We are interested, in particular, in the interplay between radiation reaction effects and the spin polarization of the radiating particles. For this, we derive equations for spin-polarized quantum radiation reaction from moments of the spin-polarized kinetic equations. By comparing with the classical theory, we identify and discuss the spin-dependent radiation reaction terms and radiative contributions to spin dynamics.
ISSN:1070-664X
1089-7674
DOI:10.1063/5.0165836