On the instability of localized EM pulses in nonlinear electrodynamics with account of temperature effects

Abstract

Based on Maxwell’s equations, we study the development of electromagnetic pulse instability in nonlinear electrodynamics beyond approximation of slowly varying amplitudes and phases. The action was chosen from the Heisenberg–Euler Lagrangian based on the invariants of the electromagnetic field. We analyze the scenario for the evolution of instability, which turns out to be consistent with the earlier conclusion done within the approximation of slowly varying amplitudes and phases. In this study, we take into account the influence of temperature. The rate of pair production under the Schwinger mechanism is estimated.