Elastic scattering involving exchange effects in the relativistic regime within a circularly polarized laser field

Abstract

Abstract In this paper, we explore the impact of relativistic electronic dressing on laser-assisted elastic collisions between electrons and hydrogen atoms, with particular emphasis on both exchange effects and direct processes in the relativistic regime. We begin our study by performing analytical calculations of the unpolarized differential and total cross sections for elastic scattering without any external radiation, which serves as a reference point to ensure the consistency and reliability of our calculations. Notably, the exchange process decreases as the kinetic energy of the incident electron increases in both relativistic and non-relativistic regimes, whereas the direct process shows an opposite trend. We then extend our investigation to include the influence of a laser field, which enables dynamic control over these processes through photon absorption and emission. By adjusting laser parameters such as intensity and frequency, notable variations in the exchange process can be observed. Although experimental validation of these processes in the presence of a laser field is currently lacking, theoretical studies offer significant insights into their behavior. Future experimental efforts, as recommended in the literature, are essential for further confirmation.