Abstract
J-PET is a detector optimized for registration of photons from the electron–positron annihilation via plastic scintillators where photons interact predominantly via Compton scattering. Registration of both primary and scattered photons enables to determinate the linear polarization of the primary photon on the event by event basis with a certain probability. Here we present quantitative results on the feasibility of such polarization measurements of photons from the decay of positronium with the J-PET and explore the physical limitations for the resolution of the polarization determination of 511 keV photons via Compton scattering. For scattering angles of about 82^circ (where the best contrast for polarization measurement is theoretically predicted) we find that the single event resolution for the determination of the polarization is about 40^circ (predominantly due to properties of the Compton effect). However, for samples larger than ten thousand events the J-PET is capable of determining relative average polarization of these photons with the precision of about few degrees. The obtained results open new perspectives for studies of various physics phenomena such as quantum entanglement and tests of discrete symmetries in decays of positronium and extend the energy range of polarization measurements by five orders of magnitude beyond the optical wavelength regime.
Highlights
Polarization is with no doubt one of the most interesting physical properties photons exhibit
Though the photons interact in the plastic scintillators predominantly via the Compton effect, the J-PET detector enables studies of positronium decays with angular resolutions of about 1◦ [21]
Measurements of optical photon’s polarization have a long successful history in physics, constituting the basis for investigations of phenomena connected with quantum entanglement of photons such as quantum teleportation or quantum cryptography
Summary
Polarization is with no doubt one of the most interesting physical properties photons exhibit. Far there were no studies where the degree of polarization was explored in measurements of high energy photons (in the range of MeV) originating from annihilations of positronium atoms. Polarization of such photons cannot be determined with optical methods. Due to the low atomic number of these elements photons from the positronium annihilation interact in plastic scintillators predominantly via the Compton effect and a significant fraction of them may undergo two or even more subsequent scatterings in different strips. Though the photons interact in the plastic scintillators predominantly via the Compton effect, the J-PET detector enables studies of positronium decays with angular resolutions of about 1◦ [21].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
