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Abstract

We present a linearized effective theory using a Gaussian wavepacket description of a charged relativistic particle coupled to quantum electromagnetic fields to study the interplay between single electrons and quantum fields in free space, at a scale well below the Schwinger limit. The proper values of the regulators in our effective theory are determined according to the data from individual experiments, and will be time-dependent in the laboratory frame if the single electrons are accelerated. Using this theoretical tool, we address the issues of decoherence of flying electrons in free space and the impact of Unruh effect on the electrons.