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    Quantum interference in two-atom resonant x-ray scattering of an intense attosecond pulse

    Akilesh Venkatesh* and Phay J. Ho†

    • *Contact author: akilesh.venkatesh1@gmail.com
    • †Contact author: pho@anl.gov

    Phys. Rev. A 113, 053107 – Published 11 May, 2026

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/97ss-g7lp

    Abstract

    We theoretically investigate resonant x-ray scattering from two noninteracting Ne+ ions driven by an intense attosecond pulse using a nonrelativistic, QED-based time-dependent framework. Our model includes Rabi oscillations, photoionization, Auger decay, and quantum interference among elastic scattering and resonance fluorescence pathways. We analyze how the total scattering signal depends on pulse intensity, atomic configuration, and initial electronic state. We find that the total resonant scattering yield exceeds its nonresonant counterpart; the angular dependence of the signal qualitatively resembles a two-atom structure factor; and the visibility of interference fringes is sensitive to pulse area and the initial electronic state. Only a subset of final states reached via resonance fluorescence exhibits interference, determined by the indistinguishability of photon emission pathways. Fringe visibility is maximized in the linear scattering regime, where ionization is minimal and resonance fluorescence pathways can be largely indistinguishable. These results highlight optimal conditions for applying ultrafast resonant x-ray scattering to single-particle imaging.

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