Abstract
We study the process of vacuum birefringence in a strong electromagnetic field: a probe photon changes its polarization while traversing a counterpropagating laser beam. To describe this phenomenon, we calculate the polarization tensor in the field of a plane monochromatic wave to leading order with respect to its amplitude. The main goal of the study is to compare the results with the data obtained within the locally constant field approximation (LCFA). Here we identify the domain of the LCFA applicability in the case of a plane-wave external background. It is shown that the frequency of the probe photon and that of the external field are symmetrically involved in the relative uncertainty. The exact treatment of the spatiotemporal dependence beyond the LCFA becomes necessary at the energy scale 0.1-1 MeV.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
