Intense laser experiments provide first evidence that light can stop electrons
By hitting electrons with an ultra-intense laser, researchers have revealed dynamics that go beyond ‘classical’ physics and hint at quantum effects. Whenever light hits an object, some of the light scatters back from the surface of the object. However, if the object is moving extremely fast, and if the light is incredibly intense, strange things can happen. Electrons, for example, can be shaken so violently that they actually slow down because they radiate so much energy. Physicists call this process radiation reaction. This radiation reaction is thought to occur around objects