Quantum stochasticity effects on angular distributions in electron-beam collision with laser pulse

This study investigates the quantum stochasticity effects (QSE) in the interaction between a laser-wakefield accelerated electron beam (γe≈2000) and ultra-intense laser pulses (I =1021–1023 W/cm2). Quantum electrodynamics-particle in cell simulations reveal three distinct manifestations of QSE: angular and spectral distributions of the electron beam, asymmetric photon divergence patterns, and double-peak positron distributions. Evolution of photon divergence angles with laser intensity indicates efficient energy transfer to high-energy photons within 1–3 laser periods, preceding quantum-dominated positron production. These effects induce significant modifications in both the angular and spectral evolution of the electron beam, concurrently generating characteristic photon divergence patterns via nonlinear Breit–Wheeler processes. Substantial alterations in electron beam dynamics are observed, with QSE inducing notable variations in high-energy photon divergence angles through pair production mechanisms. The identified characteristic signals offer critical empirical data for the development of advanced laser wakefield acceleration-driven all-optical radiation sources and optimization of lepton pair production methodologies.