arXiv subjects

Akilesh Venkatesh

Publications and source records attributed to Akilesh Venkatesh.

8 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

X-ray diffraction from chiral molecules with twisted beams

Structured x-rays carrying an orbital angular momentum break spatial inversion symmetry and have been proposed as probes of chirality. We theoretically investigate twisted non-resonant x-ray diffraction from chiral molecules and demonstrate that no dichroic signal can arise from randomly oriented molecules, irrespective of the beam spatial profile. However, a dichroic response emerges for oriented molecules. Our results establish the beam and sample conditions for which a measurable dichroic scattering signal survives axial and focal averaging.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2026

Quantum Interference in Two-Atom Resonant X-ray Scattering of an Intense Attosecond Pulse

We theoretically investigate resonant x-ray scattering from two non-interacting Ne+ ions driven by an intense attosecond pulse using a non-relativistic, QED-based time-dependent framework. Our model includes Rabi oscillations, photoionization, Auger decay, and quantum interference among elastic scattering and resonance fluorescence pathways. We analyze how the total scattering signal depends on pulse intensity, atomic configuration, and initial electronic state. We find that the total resonant scattering yield exceeds its non-resonant counterpart; the angular dependence of the signal qualitatively resembles a two-atom structure factor; and the visibility of interference fringes is sensitive to pulse area and the initial electronic state. Only a subset of final states reached via resonance fluorescence exhibits interference, determined by the indistinguishability of photon emission pathways. Fringe visibility is maximized in the linear scattering regime, where ionization is minimal and resonance fluorescence pathways can be largely indistinguishable. These results highlight optimal conditions for applying ultrafast resonant x-ray scattering to single-particle imaging.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2024

Theory of resonant x-ray scattering with ultrafast intense pulses

We present a time-dependent Schrödinger equation (TDSE) approach within a non-relativistic quantum electrodynamics (QED) framework to investigate resonant x-ray scattering under intense x-ray pulses. This method enables us to explore how coherent x-ray electron dynamics affect scattering signals from Ne$^+$. We account for both resonant fluorescence and elastic scattering channels, while also considering competing photoionization and inner-shell decay processes. By computing the angular distribution and energy spectrum of scattered photons, we uncover the interference effects between elastic scattering and resonant fluorescence pathways. Notably, our results reveal a small asymmetry in the energy spectrum as a result of this interference. We discuss the experimental potential for detecting signatures of interference. Our findings demonstrate that the x-ray Rabi dynamics can be used to control scattering responses and offer new insights into interference mechanisms and scattering efficiency in high-intensity x-ray regimes.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2024

Effect of Rabi dynamics in resonant x-ray scattering of intense attosecond pulses

We theoretically study the effects of Rabi oscillations on resonant x-ray scattering in Ne$^+$ using intense attosecond and few-femtosecond pulses. The total photon yield strongly depends on the pulse area and has an upper bound at high intensities. Resonant scattering yields with attosecond pulses can be an order of magnitude higher than those far from resonances. Interference between resonant fluorescence and elastic scattering channels depends on the pulse area and initial state. Our results suggest that resonant x-ray scattering can be exploited for high-resolution, site-specific imaging.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2022

Simulations for x-ray imaging of wave-packet dynamics

Previous work on imaging wave packet dynamics with x-ray scattering revealed that the scattering patterns deviate substantially from the notion of instantaneous momentum density of the wave packet. Here we show that scattering patterns can provide clear insights into the electron wave packet dynamics if the final state of the scattered electron and the scattered photon momentum are determined simultaneously. The scattering probability is shown to be proportional to the modulus square of the Fourier transform of the instantaneous spatial wave function weighted by the final state of the electron. Several cases for the choice of final state of the electron are explored. First, the case where the final state can be measured up to a given principal quantum number $n$ and orbital angular momentum $l$ are presented. Next, the case where the final states can only be determined up to a given energy is discussed. Finally, the case of an initial wave packet consisting of a large amount of a known stationary state and a small amount of an unknown stationary state is examined. The scattering profile is used to determine the properties of the unknown state in the wave packet.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2020

Interference in nonlinear Compton scattering using a Schrödinger's equation approach

The interference between Compton scattering and nonlinear Compton scattering from a two-color field in the X-ray regime is theoretically examined for bound electrons. The underlying phase shifts are analysed using a perturbative approach in the incoming classical field. The perturbative approach is bench marked with a non-perturbative approach in the classical field. The interference for different combinations of linear polarization of the two fields is examined when the Compton and the nonlinear Compton scattered waves have the same wave vector and polarization. Only two cases exhibit interference. When there is interference, the calculations reveal an intrinsic phase difference between the Compton scattered wave function and the nonlinear Compton scattered wave function of either 0 or $π$ depending on the scattering angle.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2020

The effect of orientation of Rydberg atoms on their collisional ionization cross section

Collisional ionization between two Rydberg atoms in relative motion is examined. A classical trajectory Monte Carlo method is used to determine the cross sections associated with Penning ionization. The dependence of the ionization cross section on the magnitude and the direction of orbital angular momentum of the electrons and the direction of the Laplace-Runge-Lenz vector of the electrons is studied. For a given magnitude of angular momentum, there can exist a difference of a factor of up to $\sim2.5$ in the ionization cross section between the orientation with the highest and the lowest ionization cross section. The case of exchange ionization is examined and its dependence on the magnitude of angular momentum is studied.

physics.atom-ph↗

arXiv2020

Simulation of nonlinear Compton scattering from bound electrons

Recent investigations by Fuchs et al. [Nat. Phys. 11, 964 (2015)] revealed an anomalous frequency shift in non-linear Compton scattering of high-intensity X-rays by electrons in solid beryllium. This frequency shift was at least 800 eV to the red of the values predicted by analytical free-electron models for the same process. In this paper, we describe a method for simulating non-linear Compton scattering. The method is applied to the case of bound electrons in a local, spherical potential to explore the role of binding energy in the frequency shift of scattered X-rays for different scattered angles. The results of the calculation do not exhibit an additional redshift for the scattered X-rays beyond the non-linear Compton shift predicted by the free-electron model. However, it does reveal a small blue-shift relative to the free electron prediction for non-linear Compton scattering. The effect of electron-electron correlation effects is calculated and determined to be unlikely to be the source of the redshift. The case of linear Compton scattering from a photoionized electron followed by electron recapture is examined as a possible source of the redshift and ruled out.

physics.atom-ph↗