On the theory of nonlinear Thomson scattering of a highly focused laser pulse

Abstract

The problem of nonlinear Thomson scattering of an ultrashort laser pulse on free electrons from a sharp focus is solved within the test particle approach. To describe the laser beam fields, an exact solution to the Helmholtz equation is used, which allows simulation of the electron dynamics and emission when the paraxial approximation is certainly inapplicable. Characteristics of attosecond electromagnetic pulses of secondary emission from test electrons during their motion near the laser focus are studied.