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arXiv · 2310.13078

Imaging of X-ray Pairs in a Spontaneous Parametric Down-Conversion Process

Justin C. Goodrich·Ryan Mahon·Joseph Hanrahan·Monika Dziubelski·Raphael A. Abrahao·Sanjit Karmakar·Kazimierz J. Gofron·Thomas Caswell·Daniel Allan·Lonny Berman·Andrei Fluerasu·Andrei Nomerotski·Cinzia DaVià·Sean McSweeney
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Abstract

Spontaneous parametric down-conversion is a vital method for generating correlated photon pairs in the visible and near-infrared spectral regions; however, its extension to X-ray frequencies has faced substantial barriers. Here, we present an advancement in correlated X-ray pair generation and detection by employing a two-dimensional pixelated detector to obtain the first direct image of the pair distribution. Our study explores and directly visualizes the down-conversion process, revealing the characteristic ring structure of coincident photon pairs and demonstrating robust spatial correlations. A significant finding is the observation of energy anti-correlation, achieved at an unprecedented rate of approximately 4,100 pairs/hour, far exceeding previous reports in the literature. We believe these results represent a significant leap in X-ray quantum imaging, unlocking the potential for enhanced imaging of biological materials with reduced doses and broadening the applicability of X-ray quantum optical technologies.

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Justin C. Goodrich, Ryan Mahon, Joseph Hanrahan, Monika Dziubelski, Raphael A. Abrahao, Sanjit Karmakar, Kazimierz J. Gofron, Thomas Caswell, Daniel Allan, Lonny Berman, Andrei Fluerasu, Andrei Nomerotski, Cinzia DaVià, Sean McSweeney. 2023-10-19. Imaging of X-ray Pairs in a Spontaneous Parametric Down-Conversion Process. https://arxiv.org/abs/2310.13078

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