Photonic entanglement at the MeV and GeV scale

Brief description of the context of the research including potential impact: The PhD project will progress recent York led advances in understanding quantum entanglement in PET imaging. Aims and objectives:

Laura will measure decoherence of entangled gamma photons at the MeV scale in currently unmeasured kinematics - challenging fundamental theory and benchmarking the use of such event in PET imaging. She will also extend studies to other entangled photon sources at the MeV scale (e.g. Cascade gamma from nuclear transitions in medical isotopes).

The research methodology, including new knowledge or techniques in engineering and physical sciences that will be investigated:

Laura will test the worlds first simulation of the entangled gamma photons underpining PET. Decoherence will be measured by observing triple Compton scattering of such gamma, using an in -house PET demonstrator apparatus made of ~500 LYSO scintllating crystals. The benchmarked simulation will be used to pilot new PET imaging methodologies utilising the triple Compton events in PET imaging, which are currently discarded. The analysis will invole Ai/ML analysis of a large training data set.

The application of entanglement to Cascade SPECT imaging will also be explored. Such imaging is a potential future technology for ultra-low dose imaging - with potential to bring imaging to screening, as well as diagnosis, impacting the health of the population and catching cancers earlier than current methods.

Alignment to EPSRC's strategies and research areas: Aligns with healthcare and medical technologies, Also quantum technologies for fundamental science. Any companies or collaborators involved: We work with three of the leading PET reserach centres in Europe (KCL, Hull and Groningen)