Triple Compton effect: a photon splitting into three upon collision with a free electron.

Area of Science:

• Quantum optics
• High-energy physics
• Quantum information science

Background:

• The triple Compton effect is a fundamental process for generating multiparticle entangled states.
• Understanding this process is crucial for advancements in quantum technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To calculate the cross-section of the triple Compton effect in two distinct experimental setups.
• To assess the feasibility of experimental measurements for this process.
• To quantify the resulting polarization entanglement in the final state.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical calculation of the cross-section for the triple Compton effect.
• Employing gamma photons and stationary electrons in one scenario.
• Utilizing keV photons and GeV electrons from an x-ray free electron laser in the second scenario.
• Quantifying multiparticle entanglement using a recently proposed measure.

Main Results:

• The calculated differential cross-section for gamma photons and stationary electrons aligns with existing experimental measurements.
• Estimates suggest the triple Compton effect is readily measurable using x-ray free electron lasers.
• The study quantifies polarization entanglement in the final state.

Conclusions:

• The triple Compton effect is a viable process for generating high-energy multiparticle entangled states.
• Experimental verification is feasible in both studied scenarios, particularly with advanced facilities like XFELs.
• The findings contribute to the understanding and potential application of multiparticle entanglement.