Quantum electrodynamics with the spear magnetic detector

One makes a study of quantum electrodynamic processes which are present at the SPEAR colliding beam magnetic detector. We begin by describing the experiment performed by the SLAC-LBL collaboration and the results concerning the strong interaction. Then the interactions e$sup +$e$sup -$ $Yields$ e$sup +$e$sup -$ and e$sup +$e$sup -$ $Yields$ $mu$$sup +$$mu$$sup -$ are considered along with their third-order radiative corrections. These events, previously used to determine new limits for cutoff parameters in QED breakdown models, are further studied to show that the full distribution in coplanarity angle fits the theoretical prediction well. The major focus is on the fourth order two-photon process, e$sup +$e$sup -$ $Yields$ e$sup +$e$sup -$A$sup +$A$sup -$, which only recently has been realized to be significant in such experiments. Cross sections are derived and calculated exactly for this process and the results compared to a Weizacker-Williams equivalent photon calculation. The two-photon data are then isolated and fit to the calculation. A special experiment was done where the small-angle scattered electron or positron is ''tagged'' along with particles in the main detector. Cross sections and coplanarity distributions are measured and compared to calculation. Through these studies, one feels confident that one understand the nature of the two-photon process in the detector. One further explores the hadronic physics of the two-photon process, e$sup +$e$sup -$ $Yields$ e$sup +$e$sup -$ hadrons, measuring pion cross sections, searching for resonances, and discussing future experiments. (auth