Abstract
We investigate the relativistic dynamics of electrons in intense laser fields. Examples of both free and bound electron dynamics are discussed using the approach appropriate for each particular case, i.e., either classical relativistic mechanics or relativistic quantum mechanics. The algorithm for numerically solving the Dirac equation is explained in detail before showing results that were obtained for both free and bound electronic wave packets in interaction with laser fields. In the case of the former, we discuss Volkov wave packets and point out features such as Lorentz contraction, spin and non-dipole effects. A sevenfold charged oxygen ion in a counterpropagating beam illustrates the latter and demonstrates a method for generating high-energy electron—nucleus collisions. Furthermore, we briefly outline the procedure for solving the classical equations of motion in arbitrary electromagnetic fields. A special field configuration (that of a radially polarized laser beam) is considered as an example. We discuss the fields that result from solving Maxwell's equations and calculate the energy that may be gained by a single electron in interaction with this particular configuration.
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