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Explore groundbreaking experimental observations of quantum electrodynamics (QED) effects occurring when ultrarelativistic electrons collide with intense laser fields in this 43-minute conference talk. Delve into the fundamental physics underlying extreme astrophysical environments found around black holes and neutron stars, where relativistic, radiative, and QED effects become critically important. Learn how laboratory-based laser-plasma experiments can provide crucial insights into the behavior of extreme plasmas that govern phenomena like magnetic reconnection and shock formation in these exotic cosmic objects. Discover the experimental techniques and theoretical frameworks used to study strong-field QED processes, including the challenges of recreating conditions similar to those found near event horizons and in neutron star magnetospheres. Understand the implications of these findings for explaining recent astronomical discoveries such as Fast Radio Bursts and the spectacular phenomena observed in accreting black hole systems. Gain insights into how interdisciplinary collaboration between astrophysicists, plasma theorists, computational physicists, and experimental laser scientists is advancing our understanding of the most extreme physical conditions in the universe.
