Table-top creation of entangled multi-keV photon pairs via the Unruh effect

TL;DR

This paper proposes a feasible tabletop method to generate entangled multi-keV photon pairs through the Unruh effect, enabling new quantum optics applications in high-energy regimes.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach to produce entangled photon pairs via the Unruh effect using electrons in strong electromagnetic fields, with potential for practical quantum optics sources.

Findings

Potential for table-top entangled photon sources in the multi-keV regime

Connection between the Unruh effect and entangled photon generation

Feasibility with near-future laser and undulator facilities

Abstract

Electrons moving in a strong periodic electromagnetic field (e.g., laser or undulator) may convert quantum vacuum fluctuations into pairs of entangled photons, which can be understood as a signature of the Unruh effect. Apart from verifying this striking phenomenon, the considered effect may allow the construction of a table-top source for entangled photons (``photon pair laser'') and the associated quantum-optics applications in the multi-keV regime with near-future facilities. 04.62.+v, 12.20.Fv, 41.60.-m, 42.50.Dv.