[Paper Review] Induced Quantum Entanglement of Nuclear Metastable States of 115In

Van Gent, L Daniel|arXiv (Cornell University)|Nov 23, 2004

Nuclear Physics and Applications3 citations

TL;DR

This study demonstrates that nuclear metastable states of 115In can become quantum entangled (QE) during gamma photo-excitation, with up to 20% of states achieving entanglement. Using high-intensity 60Co and Varian CLINAC sources, the research shows that QE gamma photons transfer entangled properties to 115mIn, resulting in half-life variations of up to 70% depending on the excitation source, with higher-order entanglement (triplets, quadruplets) observed under CLINAC irradiation.

ABSTRACT

Experiments conducted in our laboratory conclusively demonstrated that at least 20% of 115In metastable states become quantum entangled (QE) during gamma photo-excitation processes where a significant fraction of the photo-excitation gamma (E > 1.02 MeV) are QE. In addition, it was found that the half-life of 115mIn populations in identical photo-excited indium foils varied as much as 70% depending on whether the 99.999% purity indium foils were photo-excited with a High Intensity 60Co Source (HICS) or a Varian CLINAC (Compact Linear Accelerator) with average energy 2 MeV and maximum energy 6 MeV Bremsstrahlung photo-excitation quanta. Decay kinetics of 115mIn populations in indium foils demonstrate that these metastable states are primarily QE in pairs when photo-excited in the HICS apparatus and at higher orders of entanglement of triplets and possibly quadruplets when photo-excited with the CLINAC. It appears that QE gamma photons can transfer quantum entangled properties to radioactive metastable states.

Motivation & Objective

• To investigate whether gamma photo-excitation can induce quantum entanglement in nuclear metastable states of 115In.
• To determine how the choice of excitation source (60Co vs. CLINAC) affects the degree and order of entanglement in 115mIn populations.
• To measure variations in the half-life of 115mIn as a function of excitation source, as a proxy for entanglement effects.
• To explore the mechanism by which high-energy gamma photons (E > 1.02 MeV) may transfer quantum entangled properties to nuclear states.

Proposed method

• Irradiated high-purity (99.999%) indium foils with two distinct gamma sources: a High Intensity 60Co Source (HICS) and a Varian CLINAC linear accelerator.
• Used Bremsstrahlung gamma radiation with average energy 2 MeV and maximum energy 6 MeV from the CLINAC to induce photo-excitation.
• Measured decay kinetics of 115mIn populations in the irradiated foils to assess half-life variations.
• Analyzed the data to infer the degree of quantum entanglement based on half-life deviations and excitation source characteristics.
• Compared entanglement patterns between HICS (primarily paired entanglement) and CLINAC (triplets and possibly quadruplets).
• Focused on gamma photons with energy >1.02 MeV, as these are necessary for pair production and potential entanglement transfer.

Experimental results

Research questions

• RQ1 Can gamma photo-excitation with E > 1.02 MeV induce quantum entanglement in 115In metastable states?
• RQ2 How does the excitation source (HICS vs. CLINAC) influence the order and extent of quantum entanglement in 115mIn populations?
• RQ3 To what extent do half-life variations of 115mIn reflect the presence and degree of quantum entanglement?
• RQ4 Can gamma photons transfer quantum entangled properties to nuclear metastable states?
• RQ5 What is the role of high-energy gamma radiation in generating higher-order entanglement (triplets, quadruplets) in 115mIn?

Key findings

• At least 20% of 115In metastable states become quantum entangled during gamma photo-excitation with E > 1.02 MeV.
• Half-life of 115mIn populations varied by up to 70% depending on the excitation source, indicating source-dependent entanglement effects.
• Photo-excitation with the HICS produced primarily paired quantum entanglement in 115mIn states.
• Photo-excitation with the CLINAC induced higher-order entanglement, including triplets and possibly quadruplets.
• The observed half-life variations are attributed to the influence of quantum entanglement induced by QE gamma photons.
• QE gamma photons appear capable of transferring entangled properties to radioactive metastable nuclear states, as evidenced by decay kinetics.