Probing entanglement in Compton interactions

Abstract

This theoretical research aims to examine areas of the Compton cross section of entangled annihilation photons for the purpose of testing for possible break down of theory, which could have consequences for predicted optimal capabilities of Compton PET systems. We provide maps of the cross section for entangled annihilation photons for experimental verification. We introduce a strategy to derive cross sections in a relatively straight forward manner for the Compton scattering of a hypothetical separable, mixed and entangled states. To understand the effect that entanglement has on the cross section for annihilation photons, we derive the cross section so that it is expressed in terms of the cross section of a hypothetical separable state and of a hypothetical forbidden maximally entangled state. We find lobe-like structures in the cross section which are regions where entanglement has the greatest effect. We also find that mixed states do not reproduce the cross section for annihilation photons, contrary to a recent investigation which reported otherwise. We review the motivation and method of the most precise Compton scattering experiment for annihilation photons, in order to resolve conflicting reports regarding the extent to which the cross section itself has been experimentally verified.