Simulating Quantum Entanglement Through Photon and Neutron Detection

Positron annihilation can occur through the formation of an e+-e- positronium bound state. Such a system can have a spin of 0 singlet state (para-positronium) or 1 triplet state (ortho-positronium). In the former, the emitted photons have their polarization planes perpendicular to each other (e.g., mutually perpendicular polarization) due to conservation of angular momentum and parity. This quantum entanglement can be used to more precisely probe biological systems through positron emission tomography, also known as QE-PET (quantum entangled positron emission tomography). A similar approach can be used to probe halo nuclei (e.g., two-nucleon halo). The research uses the GATE simulation tool, a GEANT4-based Monte Carlo program, to investigate photon and neutron entanglement from eight detectors spaced 45° apart in a circle around a radioactive source located in the middle of the setup. The angular distribution of the detected gammas/neutrons were reconstructed. Preliminary results from this research will be presented and discussed.