Compton harmonic resonances, stochastic instabilities, quasilinear diffusion, and collisionless damping with ultra-high-intensity laser waves

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Abstract
The dynamics of an electron in a finite set of linearly or circularly polarized ultra‐high‐intensity (above 1018 W/cm2) laser waves is investigated within the framework of a Hamiltonian analysis. The Compton harmonic resonances are identified as the source of various stochastic instabilities. The stochasticity threshold due to resonance overlap is calculated and the structure of the resonances is analyzed. The quasilinear kinetic equation describing the evolution of the electron distribution function is derived, and the associated collisionless damping coefficient is calculated. The implications of these new processes are considered and discussed.