Discoveries in ultra-peripheral collisions: Past, present, future

Abstract

Ultra-relativistic heavy-ion collisions produce extremely strong electromagnetic field which provide a uniquely intense and energetic source of photons. The photons manifest from such ultra-Lorentz contracted electromagnetic fields have, in recent years, enabled unique advances in Quantum Electrodynamics (QED) and Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD). This manuscript summarizes recent progress across the experimental and theoretical landscape as of 2023 and ends with a look to possible future advancements.