Short-lived Quantum Entanglement in Neutron Compton Scattering

• Applicant: Dr. Maciej Krzystyniak
• Subject Area: Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: from 2007 to 2010
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 35430487

The project aims at the investigation of a novel phenomenon in quantum mechanics, i. e. short-lived (appearing in the range of 100-1000 attoseconds) quantum entanglement. The possibility to measure this phenomenon emerged with the onset of a new technique, i. e. neutron Compton scattering, thanks to its ultra short scattering times. The technique is implemented at the unique time of flight spectrometer VESUVIO, ISIS facility, the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, UK. Measurements on VESUVIO have demonstrated a striking effect – an “anomalous” shortfall of the total scattering cross section from protons in a variety of materials. The intention is to extend the scope of my research, conducted so far at the Technical University of Berlin (TUB), through a two-year research period at ISIS, with long-term objective being "Habilitation" at the TUB. The project will be supervised by Dr. Jerry Mayers of ISIS whose experience in the field will play crucial role its realization. It will have two major objectives; (1) development of new methods of data treatment and experiment modelling in Neutron Compton scattering with particular emphasis on the implementation of a new experimental technique - a constant momentum transfer measurement (2) the investigation of the role of electronic environment and momentum distribution of the struck particles in “anomalous” shortfall of total scattering cross section. A series of measurements will be performed and a theoretical analysis will be attempted on a family of compounds where the electronic structure changes in a systematic way.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: United Kingdom
• Host: Dr. J. Mayers