Positrons in Solids


Book Description

In condensed matter initially fast positrons annihilate after having reached equi librium with the surroundings. The interaction of positrons with matter is governed by the laws of ordinary quantum mechanics. Field theory and antiparticle properties enter only in the annihilation process leading to the emergence of energetic photons. The monitoring of annihilation radiation by nuclear spectroscopic methods provides valuable information on the electron-positron system which can directly be related to the electronic structure of the medium. Since the positron is a positive electron its behavior in matter is especially interesting to solid-state and atomic physi cists. The small mass quarantees that the positron is really a quantum mechanical particle and completely different from any other particles and atoms. Positron physics started about 25 years ago but discoveries of new features in its interac tion with matter have maintained continuous interest and increasing activity in the field. Nowadays it is becoming part of the "stock-in-trade" of experimental physics.













Positronium Chemistry


Book Description

Positronium Chemistry focuses on the methodologies, reactions, processes, and transformations involved in positronium chemistry. The publication first offers information on positrons and positronium and experimental methods, including mesonic atoms, angular correlation measurements, annihilation spectra, and statistical errors in delayed coincidence measurements. The text then ponders on positrons in gases and solids. The manuscript takes a look at the theoretical chemistry of positronium and positronium chemistry in gases. Topics include quenching, annihilation spectrum, delayed coincidence method, rate of two-photon and three-photon annihilations, and angular correlation of two-photon distribution. The book also considers positronium chemistry in the condensed state, as well as liquid gases, organic solids, and aqueous solutions. The publication is a primary reference for chemists and readers interested in positronium chemistry.







Positron Annihilation


Book Description

Positron Annihilation focuses on the process of positron annihilation in different environments. Partitioned into two parts with 42 chapters, the book contains the contributions of authors who have done research on the annihilation of positrons, which brought about valuable information on the properties of matter. The first part of the book deals with lengthy review articles, including a survey of the physics of positron annihilation; positron annihilation in metals and the theory involved in the process; and positron annihilation in alkali halides and ionic crystals. Positronium formation and interaction in gases, molecular substances, and ionic crystals are also given attention. Gaseous positronics and positron annihilation in condensed gases and liquids are also discussed. The second part of the book focuses on developments on positron annihilation and the direction of research on this field. The studies concentrate on positron annihilation in various crystals, metals, mercury, liquefied gases, helium, and metal oxides. Numerical representations and analyses are presented to support the processes involved. The book can best serve the interest of those who want to explore further the annihilation of positrons.