Electromagnetic solitons propagating in the nonlinear quantum vacuum

Francesco Pegoraro

University of Pisa, CNR INO -

The radiation intensity generated by ultra high power lasers is presently reaching the range where the nonlinear properties of the vacuum predicted by quantum electrodynamics become significant and will make it possible to probe the vacuum polarization effects induced by these super-strong electromagnetic (e.m.) waves.} We consider nonlinear e.m. waves propagating in the QED vacuum within the framework of an e.m. Lagrangian with higher derivative terms implemented so as to account for the QED vacuum dispersive properties. Conceptual limitations inherent to the use of this higher derivative Lagrangian approach are discussed. An exact solution of the nonlinear wave equation of the KdV soliton type is obtained.

Related paper: https://arxiv.org/abs/2103.09744