arXiv · 2609.35208
Generating Vector-Vortex $γ$ Photons by Nonlinear Compton Scattering
Abstract
Vector-vortex photons, characterized by a nonseparable coupling between polarization and orbital angular momentum (OAM), offer opportunities for optical manipulation, quantum communication, nuclear photonics, etc. However, their generation in the $γ$-ray regime remains challenging. Here, we put forward a novel method to generate vector-vortex $γ$ photons via nonlinear Compton scattering in elliptically polarized laser pulses. We reveal that tailoring laser ellipticity directs the multiphoton absorption to coherently populate OAM modes with opposite winding numbers, $\pm \ell$, tied to orthogonal circular polarizations, producing nonseparable spin-OAM photon states. For a linearly polarized laser of moderate intensity (dimensionless amplitude $a_0 \sim 1$), the mode-pair concurrence--a 0-to-1 measure of spin-OAM entanglement--reaches unity for MeV $γ$ photons, realizing maximally nonseparable radial- or azimuthal-type vector-vortex states. The laser amplitude further controls the accessible OAM spectrum. Our method offers a route to MeV vector-vortex photons, opening a new avenue for nuclear-scale structured photonics and high-energy quantum information.
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Yong-Zheng Ren, Mamutjan Ababekri, Jun-Lin Zhou, Feng Wan, Qian Zhao, Zhong-Peng Li, Kun Xue, Ya-Qing Huang, Zhao-Hui Chen, Zhong-Feng Xu, Jian-Xing Li. 2026-09-28. Generating Vector-Vortex $γ$ Photons by Nonlinear Compton Scattering. https://arxiv.org/abs/2609.35208
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