Project Details
Projekt
Spacetime resolved few-photon detection schemes for vacuum processes
Applicants
Professor Dr. Jörg Schreiber; Professor Dr. Matt Zepf
Subject Area
Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas
Term
since 2019
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 392856280
The goal over a six year period of this project is to investigate the intriguing predictions of signatures of quantum vacuum non-linearity such as quantum reflectivity and to lay the basis for precision experiments based on photon emission from the quantum vacuum. We have now identified one promising and cost-effective concept that can be implemented at the Centre for Advanced Laser Applications. In our approach we will collide two 1.5 PW laser pulses that give rise to a few detectable photons per shot. Based on our experience during the first funding period, we are confident that the background from the intense primary pulses can be discriminated by a combination of micrometer spatial filtering and fs-temporal gating via two-dimensional optical homodyne detection. Our project will hence prove photon-photon scattering for the first time, moreover the technology that we develop will pave the way for future high precision studies at greater peak intensities or high power cavity resonators.
DFG Programme
Research Units
