Testing strong-field CED and QED with intense laser fields

Strong laser fields can be employed to test classical and quantum electrodynamics (CED and QED, respectively) under extreme conditions. A fundamental problem in electrodynamics is the ''radiation reaction'' problem: classically, an accelerated electron emits radiation and this emission alters the motion of the electron itself. The Landau-Lifshitz equation consistently describes the electron's motion in an external field by including radiation reaction. We explore a new scenario in which this equation can be in principle tested experimentally for the first time and with presently available laser technology. We will also briefly address quantum vacuum polarization effects. We demonstrate the possibility of observing electron-positron pair production in laser and nuclear fields, by controlling the tunneling barrier through the assistance of an additional high-energy photon. Finally, by exploiting the quantum interaction among real photon in vacuum, we propose a double-slit-like experiment devoid of any material parts.