Entanglement in Elastic Electron Scattering: Perturbation theory misses fundamental aspects of Bragg scattering

Abstract:Elastic electron scattering is one of the primary means of investigating materials on the atomic scale. It is usually described in a one-particle approach (the probe electron's evolution in a perturbative static potential), whereas we are dealing here with a two-body interaction between the probe and the sample, both described by separate quantum states, inducing entanglement. In this work, we present a quantum treatment of elastic electron scattering. We find that the entanglement between probe and scatterer can have far-reaching consequences, particularly on coherence and image contrast. As a timely example, we discuss decoherence in Bragg scattering on nanoparticles. We find that conventional scattering theory is recovered in most cases. The situation changes dramatically for freely evolving nano particles as e.g. levitated motional ground states, an active field of research.

Quantum Physics (quant-ph); Materials Science (cond-mat.mtrl-sci)

arXiv:2508.01383 [quant-ph]

(or arXiv:2508.01383v3 [quant-ph] for this version)

https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2508.01383 Focus to learn more arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite

Phys. Rev. Research 8 (2026), 033217

https://doi.org/10.1103/vvb9-rf35 Focus to learn more DOI(s) linking to related resources

arXivLabs is a framework that allows collaborators to develop and share new arXiv features directly on our website.

Both individuals and organizations that work with arXivLabs have embraced and accepted our values of openness, community, excellence, and user data privacy. arXiv is committed to these values and only works with partners that adhere to them.

Have an idea for a project that will add value for arXiv's community? Learn more about arXivLabs.