Objective
The quantum vacuum constitutes a highly nontrivial medium, in which complex nonlinear processes, such as pair production and photon splitting, can take place. These processes will yield measurable alterations to classical electromagnetic wave dynamics and laser-matter interactions using the next-generation laser systems. It has been suggested that this could even give rise to self-compression of electromagnetic pulses in vacuum, and therefore produce intensities above the laser limit. This gives the possibility of anti-matter production, light splitting, and light collisions, that could be of importance for testing the invariance properties of the laws of physics. Furthermore, the properties of the quantum vacuum holds the key to a fundamental understanding of highly magnetized stars, the relation of spacetime dynamics to thermodynamics, and could be used to obtain information about e.g. dark matter candidates. Thus, the effects of the quantum vacuum will be noticeable both on a practical level, in future high intensity field experiments and applications, as well as at the level of basic research, providing crucial information about the properties of the laws of physics. The aim of this proposal is manifold. Using high intensity electromagnetic field generation different aspects of the quantum vacuum will be probed. The experimental investigation of the Unruh effect will yield insight into black hole physics and effects of spacetime structure on quantum field theory. The possibility to detect elastic scattering among photons would open up a completely new branch in science and deepen our understanding of the laws of physics. Moreover, using state-of-the-art laser facilities, methods for probing extreme plasmas, where quantum particle dynamics and the nonlinear quantum vacuum are important, will be developed. This holds promising applications as lasers approach entirely new intensity level in the near future.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
- natural sciences physical sciences electromagnetism and electronics electromagnetism
- natural sciences physical sciences astronomy astrophysics black holes
- natural sciences physical sciences astronomy astrophysics dark matter
- natural sciences physical sciences optics laser physics
- natural sciences physical sciences theoretical physics particle physics photons
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
ERC-2007-StG
See other projects for this call
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Host institution
901 87 UMEA
Sweden
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.