X-Ray Emissions from Hydrogen Rydberg Matter Detected Using Timepix3 CdTe Detector

This study investigates the X-ray emissions from Hydrogen Rydberg Matter (HRM) using a state of-the-art Timepix3 detector with a Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) sensor, which offers imaging operation. The experimental setup featured an ultra-high vacuum (UHV) chamber containing potassium-doped iron oxide catalytic source, exposed to hydrogen or deuterium gas flowing through the source. A 1064 nm pulsed YAG laser was used to stimulate the HRM. The Timepix detector was calibrated with Cs-137 662 keV and 21 keV source. Results show a prominent emission peak in the 25–50 keV range, with significant contributions at 406 keV identified through aluminum foil attenuation experiments. These findings advance our understanding of radiation phenomena in hydrogen-loaded systems and suggest new avenues for exploring the unique emissions from HRM, potentially impacting material science and catalysis.