Krzysztof Siemek

The multi-scattering model for calculations of positron spatial distribution in the multilayer stacks, useful for conventional positron measurements

The spatial distribution of positrons emitted from radioactive isotopes into stacks or layered samples is a subject of the presented report. It was found that Monte Carlo (MC) simulations using GEANT4 code are not able to describe correctly the experimental data of the positron fractions in stacks. The mathematical model was proposed for calculations of the implantation profile or positron fractions in separated layers or foils being components of a stack. The model takes into account only two processes, i.e., the positron absorption and backscattering at interfaces. The mathematical formulas were applied in the computer program called LYS-1 (layers profile analysis). The theoretical predictions of the model were in the good agreement with the results of the MC simulations for the semi infinite sample. The experimental verifications of the model were performed on the symmetrical and non-symmetrical stacks of different foils. The good agreement between the experimental and calculated fractions of positrons...

The “accumulation effect” of positrons in the stack of foils, detected by measurements of the positron implantation profile

The profiles of positrons implanted from the radioactive source 22Na into a stack of foils and plates are the subject of our experimental and theoretical studies. The measurements were performed using the depth scanning of positron implantation profile method, and the theoretical calculations using the phenomenological multi-scattering model (MSM). Several stacks consisting of silver, gold and aluminum foils, and titanium and germanium plates were investigated. We notice that the MSM describes well the experimental profiles; however when the stack consisting of silver and gold foils, the backscattering and linear absorption coefficients differ significantly from those reported in the literature. We suggest the energy dependency of the backscattering coefficient for silver and gold. In the stacks which comprise titanium and germanium plates, there were observed the features, which indicate the presence of the “accumulation effect” in the experimental implantation profile. This effect was previously detecte...

Positron Annihilation and Complementary Studies of Copper Sandblasted with Alumina Particles at Different Pressures

Positron annihilation spectroscopy and complementary methods were used to detect changes induced by sandblasting of alumina particles at different pressures varying from 1 to 6 bar in pure well-annealed copper. The positron lifetime measurements revealed existence of dislocations and vacancy clusters in the adjoined surface layer. The presence of retained alumina particles in the copper at the depth below 50 µm was found in the SEM pictures and also in the annihilation line shape parameter profiles measured in the etching experiment. The profiles show us that the total depth of damaged zones induced by sandblasting of alumina particles ranges from 140 µm up to ca. 800 µm and it depends on the applied pressure. The work-hardening of the adjoined surface layer was found in the microhardness measurements at the cross-section of the sandblasted samples.

Positron accumulation effect in particles embedded in a low-density matrix

Systematic studies of the so-called positron accumulation effect for samples with particles embedded in a matrix are reported. This effect is related to energetic positrons which penetrate inhomogeneous medium. Due to differences in the linear absorption coefficient, different amounts of positrons are accumulated and annihilate in the identical volume of both materials. Positron lifetime spectroscopy and Doppler broadening of the annihilation line using Na-22 positrons were applied to the studies of the epoxy resin samples with embedded micro-sized particles of transition metals, i.e., Ni, Sn, Mo, W, and nonmetal particles, i.e., Si and NaF. The significant difference between the determined fraction of positrons annihilating in the particles and the particle volume fraction indicates the positron accumulation effect. The simple phenomenological model and Monte Carlo simulations are able to describe the main features of the obtained dependencies. The aluminum alloy with embedded Sn nanoparticles is also considered for demonstration differences between the accumulation and another related effect, i.e., the positron affinity.

The Positron Probe Microanalyser Studies of Defect Distribution Induced by Machining of Copper, Iron and Titanium

Abstract We demonstrate the application of the new experimental technique: positron probe microanalyser for studies of the defect profiles induced by milling. Metal foils of Cu, Fe and Ti were subjected to machining in a milling machine with different cutting speed. This technique revealed well-defined profiles of defects below the machined surface which was extended up to hundreds of micrometres. The extent of the profile depended on the metal and the cutting speed. The positron probe microanalyser allowed us to trace the evolution of the profile after annealing in different temperatures. Surprisingly, the high thermal stability of a few tens of micrometres thick layer adjacent to the machined surface was detected.

Positron annihilation and tribological studies of nano-embedded Al alloys

Positron annihilation studies of aluminium alloys with nanodispersions of insoluble elements, i.e., In, Sn, Pb and Au were reported. The alloys were obtained using a rapid solidification process. For all alloys, except that with Au, the average diameter of nanoparticles in aluminium matrix was 100 nm, and variance of the size distribution was above 50 nm. Positron annihilation studies reveal the presence of monovacancies or divacancies, which were located at the interface between nanoparticles and the matrix. In the as-cast reference pure aluminium sample as well as the aluminium and gold alloy dislocations were identified as well. The isothermal annealing of the obtained alloys and measurement of the annihilation characteristic, i.e., S-parameter, allow us to determine the activation energy of grain boundary migration, which for the alloys was higher by the factor of four than for the reference sample. The measurements of friction parameters for the alloys confirmed the results reported by the other authors that, the friction coefficient was lower by the factor of about two and the specific wear rate was by the factor of about fifty higher than the reference sample. The present study confirmed the attractive positron affinity of the nanoparticles of In, Sn, Pb and Au compared to aluminium matrix.

Realization of Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy at LEPTA Facility

The Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy (PAS) unit was created as a part of LEPTA project at JINR in Dubna. Currently works performed in PAS laboratory focus on studies of defects in solid state, especially on studying radiation damages in novel materials and semiconductors as a part of the international project “Novel Semiconductor for Fundamental and Applied Research”. This report aims to present a current status of realization and progress in PAS methods at LEPTA facility at JINR.

The detection of reverse accumulation effect in the positron annihilation profile of stack of aluminum and silver foils

Abstract The implantation profile of positrons emitted from 22Na into a stack of aluminum and silver foils is the subject of the presented report. The characteristic dimple in the profile behind the Ag foil was detected. This effect arises from the differences in the linear absorption coefficient of aluminum and silver. The good agreement between the theoretical profile obtained within the multiscattering model and experimental one was achieved. The observed phenomenon can affect the positron annihilation characteristics measured for the inhomogeneous samples.