On the upper limit of laser intensity attainable in nonideal vacuum

The upper limit of the laser field strength in a perfect vacuum is usually considered as Schwinger field, corresponding to ? 10 29 W / cm 2 . We investigate such limitations under realistic nonideal conditions and find that intensity suppression appears starting from id="m2"> 25 , showing an threshold at id="m3"> 26 level if residual electron density chamber surpasses id="m4"> 9 ? 3 This because presence electrons triggers avalanche quantum electrodynamics cascade creates copious positron pairs. leptons are further trapped within driving due radiation reaction, which significantly depletes energy. relationship between attainable vacuity given according particle-in-cell simulations theoretical analysis. These results answer critical problem on achievable light based present provide guideline for future hundreds petawatt class development.