Joshua Machacek

Forward angle scattering effects in the measurement of total cross sections for positron scattering

Measurements of total scattering by positron impact have typically excluded a significant portion of the forward scattering angles of the differential cross section. This paper demonstrates the effect that this can have on measurements of the total cross section. We show that much of the apparent disagreement between experimental measurements of positron scattering from atoms and molecules may be explained by this excluded angular range. It is shown that this same effect may also lead to an anomalous energy dependence of some cross sections.

Total, elastic, and inelastic cross sections for positron and electron collisions with tetrahydrofuran

We present total, elastic, and inelastic cross sections for positron and electron scattering from tetrahydrofuran (THF) in the energy range between 1 and 5000 eV. Total cross sections (TCS), positronium formation cross sections, the summed inelastic integral cross sections (ICS) for electronic excitations and direct ionization, as well as elastic differential cross sections (DCS) at selected incident energies, have been measured for positron collisions with THF. The positron beam used to carry out these experiments had an energy resolution in the range 40-100 meV (full-width at half-maximum). We also present TCS results for positron and electron scattering from THF computed within the independent atom model using the screening corrected additivity rule approach. In addition, we calculated positron-impact elastic DCS and the sum over all inelastic ICS (except rotations and vibrations). While our integral and differential positron cross sections are the first of their kind, we compare our TCS with previous literature values for this species. We also provide a comparison between positron and electron-impact cross sections, in order to uncover any differences or similarities in the scattering dynamics with these two different projectiles.

Scattering data for modelling positron tracks in gaseous and liquid water

We present in this study a self-consistent set of scattering cross sections for positron collisions with water molecules, in the energy range 0.1-10 000 eV, with the prime motivation being to provide data for modelling purposes. The structure of the database is based on a new model potential calculation, including interference terms, which provides differential and integral elastic as well as integral inelastic positron scattering cross sections for water molecules over the whole energy range considered here. Experimental and theoretical data available in the literature have been integrated into the database after a careful analysis of their uncertainties and their self-consistency. These data have been used as input parameters for a step-by-step Monte Carlo simulation procedure, providing valuable information on energy deposition, positron range, and the relative percentages of specific interactions (e.g. positronium formation, direct ionisation, electronic, vibrational and rotational excitations) in gaseous and liquid water.

Positron interactions with water–total elastic, total inelastic, and elastic differential cross section measurements

Utilising a high-resolution, trap-based positron beam, we have measured both elastic and inelastic scattering of positrons from water vapour. The measurements comprise differential elastic, total elastic, and total inelastic (not including positronium formation) absolute cross sections. The energy range investigated is from 1 eV to 60 eV. Comparison with theory is made with both R-Matrix and distorted wave calculations, and with our own application of the Independent Atom Model for positron interactions.

Low-energy positron interactions with xenon

Low-energy interactions of positrons with xenon have been studied both experimentally and theoretically. The experimental measurements were carried out using a trap-based positron beam with an energy resolution of ?80?meV, while the theoretical calculations were carried out using the convergent close-coupling method and the relativistic optical potential approach. Absolute values of the grand total, positronium formation and grand total minus positronium formation cross sections are presented over the energy range of 1?60?eV. Elastic differential cross sections (DCS), for selected energies, are also presented both below and above the positronium formation threshold. Fine energy-step measurements of the positronium formation cross section over the energy range of 4.4?8.4?eV, and measurements of the elastic DCS at the energies of 5.33 and 6.64?eV, have been carried out to investigate the ionization threshold regions corresponding to the 2P3/2 and 2P1/2 states of the Xe+ ion. The present results are compared with both experimental and theoretical values from the literature where available.

Experimental and theoretical cross sections for positron collisions with 3-hydroxy-tetrahydrofuran

Cross section results from a joint experimental and theoretical investigation into positron scattering from 3-hydroxy-tetrahydrofuran (3H-THF) are presented. Total and positronium (Ps) formation cross sections have been measured from 1 to 190 eV using the positron beamline at the Australian National University, which has an energy resolution between 60 and 100 meV. The total cross section (TCS) and the elastic and total inelastic integral cross sections in the energy range between 1 and 1000 eV have been computed within the Independent Atom Model using the Screening Corrected Additivity Rule approach. In addition, we have calculated elastic differential cross sections at selected incident energies. Our computations represent the first theoretical results reported for this target species, while our measured Ps formation cross sections are also novel. Comparison of the present TCS with the previous results from the University of Trento shows a good level of agreement at the lowest energies. We also provide a comparison between the present cross sections for 3H-THF and those from our earlier study on the parent molecule tetrahydrofuran.

Manipulation of the magnetron orbit of a positron cloud in a Penning trap

We describe a simple and versatile method to manipulate the amplitude of the magnetron orbit of ions stored in a Penning trap, applied here to a cloud of low energy positrons. By applying a pulsed voltage to a split electrode in the trap, which is normally used for rotating wall compression of the particles, the size of the magnetron orbit can be changed at will. The modified orbit has been shown to be stable for many magnetron periods. The technique could find use in applications which require off-axis ejection of particles, for instance in the filling of arrays of traps for multicell positron storage.

Production of excited atomic hydrogen and deuterium from H2and D2photodissociation

We have measured the production of both Lya and Ha fluorescence from atomic H and D for the photodissociation of H 2 and D 2 by linearly polarized photons with energies between 24 and 60 eV. In this energy range, excited photofragments result primarily from he production of doubly excited molecular species which promptly autoionize or dissociate into two neutrals. Our data are compared with ab initio calculations of the dissociation process, in which both doubly excited state production and prompt ionization (non-resonant) channels are considered. Agreement between our experimental data and that of earlier work, and with our theoretical calculations, is qualitative at best.

Regularities in positronium formation for atoms and molecules

In an effort to aid the modelling of positron and positronium (Ps) transport in biological media we have compiled recent experimental results for the total Ps formation in positron scattering from atoms and molecules. A simple function was found to adequately describe the total Ps formation cross section for both atoms and molecules. The parameters of this function describe the magnitude and shape of the Ps formation cross section and are compared to physical characteristics of the target atoms and molecules. A general trend in the magnitude of the total Ps formation cross section is observed as a function of the target atom/molecule dipole polarisability. The functional form may enable quick estimation of the Ps cross section for molecules for which experimental measurements or theoretical estimates do not exist.

Size distribution of possible dust carriers for the extended red emission

Power-law size distributions expected to be applicable to possible carriers of extended red emission (ERE) have been examined using Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. Si nanoparticles and some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon complexes such as oligoacene and oligorylenes with energy gaps close to 2 eV have been considered. In the simplest case of unit quantum efficiency, the MC-generated size distributions are used to obtain photoluminescence (PL) spectra that are then corrected for dust extinction and reddening effects for comparison with observed ERE spectra. It is shown that a power-law size distribution with a decay exponent of α = 7/2, which closely agrees with starlight extinction data, fails to produce an ERE-like spectrum. However, size distributions with decay exponents of α = 19/12 and 3/2 are found to lead to acceptable spectra. Results indicate that energetic photon-induced breakup and competing aggregation effects dominate collisional effects in producing the observed steady-state mass distribution. It is shown that the peak wavelength of emission critically depends on the band gap, rather than cluster mass, which for oligoacenes and oligorylenes is widely different. The peak wavelength is also shown to be insensitive to dust attenuation.