M. Skalsey

Search for C-violating, P-conserving interactions and observation of 23S1 to 21P1 transitions in positronium

Possible C-forbidden transitions between 23S1 and 21P1 states of positronium are investigated. Limits are placed on the CP-violating state-mixing matrix element:|〈21P1|HHCP| 23P1〉| < 65MHz. Zeeman induced transitions yield the first observation of 21P1 states and measurement of the 23S1 to 21P1 transition frequency, v0=11181 ± 13 MHz, verifying QED calculations.

Antihydrogen: Production and Applications

The formation of antihydrogen (\(\overline H\)) is of interest for a variety of reasons. Properties of the \(\overline H\) such as the electronic energy levels, fine structure, Lamb shift, and hyperfine structure can be measured and compared to the corresponding quantities in hydrogen as tests of CPT invariance. Novel investigations of the interactions of \(\overline H\) with atoms and with gravitation can be undertaken. Finally, applications such as the production of polarized antiprotons or the storage of macroscopic quantities of \(\overline H\) can also be pursued.

Proposed new reactor-activated positron source for intense slow e+ beam production

Abstract A novel method is suggested for producing a new positron (e+) emitting isotope in a nuclear reactor with application to slow e+ beams. The initial radiated sample is 124Xe which is transformed to 126I by two neutron absorptions and an intermediate decay. Over 25 Ci of positrons with a specific activity of 25 Ci gm can be produced by this technique, allowing the generation of a slow e+ beam of over 4 × 107 e + cm 2 −s. As discussed in the conclusion, specific activities approaching 200 Ci gm should be for activation cells are presented, one with Xe in the gas phase, the other with solid Xe. Both designs allow the easy separation of the 126I from other contaminants, permitting the production of a pure, high specific activity source.

Development of intense, long-lived positron sources

Abstract There are many important applications for very intense positron beams (≥ I Ci of e + ); however, the radioactive sources needed to produce these beams are not readily available. Two separate processes for fabricating inexpensive, intense positron sources from 22 Na and 58 Co have been investigated. Both procedures have been successfully tested with low levels (mCi) of activity.

Positron accumulation and storage for antihydrogen production

We propose a scheme to stack and accumulate positrons, emitted randomly from a radioactive source. The positrons are moderated and accumulated at low energy.

Production and applications of monoenergetic polarized positron beams

The generation and applications of monoenergetic, high intensity, spin-polarized positron (e+) beams are reviewed. Techniques for obtaining highly polarized beams are discussed. Applications include studies of surface and bulk magnetism, studies of optically active molecules, tests of discrete symmetries, and polarized antiproton production.

Isolation of22Na for intense positron sources

A method of removing22Na from Al via distillation is investigated. Distillation is rapid (≈10 minutes) and nearly quantitative. When the distilled vapor is directed by a flow of He gas the deposit may be localized fairly well and easily recovered with water.

Antihydrogen production in a merged beam arrangement

The production of antihydrogen by merging beams of antiprotons and positrons is described. Both beams, kept in storage devices, are continuously recirculated. Antihydrogen is formed by radiative recombination of positrons and antiprotons. Production rates of a few thousand per second are expected. The semi-relativistic atomic beam of antihydrogen would have a divergence of less than 1 mrad and a beam diameter of a few millimeter. The possibilities to increase these rates by induced recomtination are discussed. The scheme of antihydrogen production in overlapping beams is compared to other approaches.