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NASA NTRS1979

Annihilation in positron-atom collisions - A new approach

Two identities are derived for the exact scattering wave function by using the method of Hiller, Sucher, and Feinberg. It is shown that the resulting identities can be used to improve the calculation of positron annihilation cross sections whenever an approximate positron-atom scattering wave function is known. In addition, the advantages of the method are illustrated with a static model for e(+)-H scattering and then with a more realistic polarized orbital approximation.

Drachman, R. J.↗

NASA NTRS1979

The annihilation of galactic positrons

The annihilation of galactic positrons is studied in order to evaluate the probabilities of various channels of annihilation and to calculate the spectrum of the resulting radiation. The narrow width (FWHM less than 3.2 keV) of the 0.511-MeV line observed from the galactic center by Leventhal, McCallum, and Stang (1978) implies that a large fraction of positrons should annihilate in a medium of temperature less than 100,000 K and ionization fraction greater than 0.05. H II regions at the galactic center could be possible sites of annihilation.

Bussard, R. W.↗

DOE OSTI2025

Electron–positron pair annihilation in kinetic plasma

The process of electron–positron pair annihilation, driven by strong fields (inverse Schwinger mechanism) and high-frequency waves, is studied using the Dirac–Heisenberg–Wigner formalism. In an electron–positron plasma, the presence of a strong field leads to both pair creation and annihilation. Depending on plasma properties such as non-degeneracy and the momentum distribution, pair annihilation can dominate over pair creation. The energy released from annihilated pairs can lead to an enhancement of the field energy, provided that the plasma effectively blocks the creation of new pairs. Additionally, pair annihilation induced by high-frequency waves is shown to occur when the photon energy matches the energy of the pairs in the plasma.

Al-Naseri, Haidar [SLAC National Accelerator Labor↗

NASA NTRS1983

Positron-electron annihilation radiation from the Galactic Center

Evidence and arguments are presented supporting the theory that the 0.511 MeV line observed from the Galactic Center stems from photon-photon pair production near a black hole with a mass not greater than approximately 500 solar masses. Observations are reviewed and the subsequent implications on the annihilation site and the positron source are discussed. Because of the variations and line width of the e(+) - e(-) annihilation radiation from the Galactic Center, positrons must essentially be produced by a single source and annihilate in an ambient gas of density greater than 10 to the 5th/cu cm, an ionization fraction greater than 10 percent, a temperature less than 5 x 10 to the 4th K, and be confined to a region of size less than 10 to the 18th cm. Such conditions may exist in warm clouds and other IR sources within the central parsec of the Galaxy.

Ramaty, R.↗

DOE OSTI2025

Measurement and analysis of the Doppler broadened energy spectra of gamma radiation originating from the annihilation of positrons incident on clean and adsorbate-covered surfaces

We present measurements and theoretical modeling demonstrating the capability of coincidence Doppler broadened (CDB) annihilation gamma spectroscopy to provide element-specific information from the topmost atomic layer of surfaces. Our measurements show that the energy spectra of Doppler-shifted annihilation gamma photons emitted following the annihilation of positrons from the topmost atomic layers of clean and adsorbate covered surfaces of gold (Au), silver (Ag) and copper (Cu) differ significantly. The shape of the Doppler-broadened gamma spectrum, as analyzed using ratio curves, indicates that the elemental composition of the surface can still be identified despite contributions from positronium annihilation and a significant reduction in core electron annihilation. We estimate the chemical composition of the various probed surfaces by modeling the ratios of the measured Doppler spectra with respect to the Doppler spectra from a clean Cu surface using a linear combination of calculated ratio curves. The fitting of the experimental ratio curves was used to obtain an estimate of the elemental composition of Cu surfaces with sulfur segregation, oxygen adsorption, a thin film of Selenium (Se), and a single layer of graphene (SLG). A similar analysis was performed on the Ag surface with environmental adsorbates, the same surface after argon ion sputtering, as well as a sputter cleaned Au surface. The surface compositions obtained from the analysis of the CDB data were compared to the compositions obtained using positron annihilation induced Auger electron spectroscopy (PAES). Our results show that CDB can detect, identify, and quantify, sub-monolayer adsorbates and a single atomic layer deposited on metal substrates.

Lotfimarangloo, Sima [Univ. of Texas, Arlington, T↗

NASA NTRS1994

The annihilation of positrons in the cold phase of the interstellar medium revisited

The positron cross sections in H and H2 media are reevaluated, taking into account new experimental results. Using a Monte Carlo simulation, we find a positronium fraction before thermalization of 0.90 for H2, in good agreement with the previous experimental result given by Brown et al. (1986). For H we obtain an upper limit of 0.98. We study the behavior of the charge exchange annihilation in a cold phase (molecular cloud). We calculate a formula for the slowing-down time t, before annihilation lasting Delta t, via charge exchange, of a positron beam with a given energy for different medium densities and initial energies. An upper limit of 0.7 MeV for the initial energy of the positrons, annihilating in the molecular cloud G0.86 - 0.08 near the gamma ray source positronium and gives new time constraints on their possible observation.

Wallyn, P.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Formation of the 0.511.-MeV line in solar flares

The gamma-ray line produced at 0.51-MeV was studied and is shown to be the result of either of free annihilation of positrons with electrons or of the decay of positronium by 2-photon emission. Positron annihilation from the bound state of positronium may also proceed by 3-photon emission, resulting in a continuum with energies up to 0.51-MeV. Accurate calculations of the rates of free annihilation and positronium formation in a solar-flare plasma are presented. Estimates of the positronium-formulation rates by charge exchange and the rates of dissociation and quenching are also considered. The temperature and density dependence of the ratio of 3-photon to 2-photon emission was obtained. It is shown that when the ratio of free electrons to neutral atoms in the plasma is approximately unity or greater, the Doppler width of the 0.51-MeV line is a function of the temperature of the annihilation region. For the small ion densities characteristics of the photosphere, the width is predominantly a function of the density.

Crannell, C. J.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Measurement of the 0.3-8.5 MeV Galactic gamma-ray spectrum from the Galactic center direction

The low-energy gamma-ray spectrum from the direction of the Galactic center is determined using data obtained with the SMM Gamma-Ray Spectrometer. It is found that the diffuse gamma-ray spectrum from the Galactic center region can be interpreted in a straightforward way as the sum of five components of a presented equation. The components include a hard power law dominating the continuum at high energies caused principally by cosmic ray electron bremsstrahlung radiation, two narrow lines due to Al-26 decay and positron annihilation, an excess continuum component below 0.511 MeV consistent with the annihilation of positrons by formation of Ps, and a soft power law at low energies which is consistent with an extrapolation upward in energy of known hard X-ray sources in the Galactic center region.

Harris, M. J.↗

DOE OSTI2020

Point and extended defects in heteroepitaxial 𝛽−G⁡a 2 ⁢O 3 films

G⁡a 2 ⁢O 3 is emerging as an excellent potential semiconductor for high power and optoelectronic devices. However, the successful development of G⁡a 2⁢ O 3 in a wide range of applications requires a full understanding of the role and nature of its point and extended defects. Here, in this work, high quality epitaxial G⁡a 2 ⁢O 3 films were grown on sapphire substrates by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition and fully characterized in terms of structural, optical, and electrical properties. Then defects in the films were investigated by a combination of depth-resolved Doppler broadening and lifetime of positron annihilation spectroscopies and thermally stimulated emission (TSE). Positron annihilation techniques can provide information about the nature and concentration of defects in the films, while TSE reveals the energy level of defects in the bandgap. Despite very good structural properties, the films exhibit short positron diffusion length, which is an indication of high defect density and long positron lifetime, a sign for the formation of Ga vacancy related defects and large vacancy clusters. These defects act as deep and shallow traps for charge carriers as revealed from TSE, which explains the reason behind the difficulty of developing conductive G⁡a 2 ⁢O 3 films on non-native substrates. Positron lifetime measurements also show nonuniform distribution of vacancy clusters throughout the film depth. Further, the work investigates the modification of defect nature and properties through thermal treatment in various environments. It demonstrates the sensitivity of G⁡a 2 ⁢O 3 microstructures to the growth and thermal treatment environments and the significant effect of modifying defect structure on the bandgap and optical and electrical properties of G⁡a 2 ⁢O 3 .

defects↗

DOE OSTI2022

The mechanism behind the high radiation tolerance of Fe-Cr alloys

With the great demand for high radiation tolerant materials for advanced nuclear energy technologies, Fe-Cr alloys are at the forefront with long standing validated performance. Yet, the real mechanism behind their high radiation resistance is in question and understanding the effect of varying Cr percentage is a grand challenge limiting further improvements. Here we applied depth resolved atomic scale probe of defects to uncover the real mechanism on how Cr improves radiation resistance and explain the controversial impact of increasing Cr percentage. By combining depth-resolved positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy and Doppler broadening spectroscopy we investigated the effect of Cr alloying on the formation and evolution of atomic size clusters induced by ion irradiation in Fe. We also used atom probe tomography to investigate the possible presence of Cr clusters or a’ phase with high Cr composition. The study reveals that the well-known resistance to radiation in Fe-Cr alloys arises from the stabilization of vacancy clusters around Cr atoms which act as sinks for radiation-induced defects. Thus, Cr atoms do not provide a direct sink for interstitials; rather defect complexes for that consist of Cr atoms and vacancies in turn act as sinks for irradiation-induced vacancies and interstitials. Most importantly, we find that lower amounts of Cr create smaller, uniformly distributed defect clusters that act as efficient sinks for radiation damage, but larger quantities of Cr form a defect structure that is less homogenous in size and spatial distribution, resulting in less efficient damage recombination. No evidence of phase a’ was found before or after irradiation, which indicates that it does not contribute to the observed radiation tolerance.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2025

Influence of Water, Vacuum, and Temperature on Surface Conditions of a Zeolite‐based Molecular Sieve

Molecular sieves such as zeolite-based materials are ubiquitous in industrial separation processes. However, there is a significant gap in understanding the surface properties and adsorption mechanisms for commercial zeolites, as most research focuses on pure zeolite powders rather than industrially relevant forms. Here, this work addresses this gap in understanding by employing advanced characterization techniques, including positron annihilation spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, liquid nitrogen sorption, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, to investigate the adsorption and desorption behavior of water in commercial zeolite 13X. Our research reveals insights into the pore-filling mechanisms, the impact of material binders on adsorption properties, and the dynamics of hydration and drying processes for zeolites. Monitoring changes on a minute scale allowed the distinction between fast and slow processes leading to sample drying. The identification of positronium bound to Na + ions indicated that water molecules remain in the vicinity of Na + ions after air-drying zeolite 13X. These findings highlight the importance of various environmental conditions in restoring zeolite properties to baseline after hydration, with significant implications for optimizing industrial processes. This work sets the direction for further research aimed at developing more efficient and robust separation techniques.

Beads Binder↗

DOE OSTI2020

A new mechanism for void-cascade interaction from nondestructive depth-resolved atomic-scale measurements of ion irradiation–induced defects in Fe

The nondestructive investigation of single vacancies and vacancy clusters in ion-irradiated samples requires a depth-resolved probe with atomic sensitivity to defects. The recent development of short-pulsed positron beams provides such a probe. Here, we combine depth-resolved Doppler broadening and positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopies to identify vacancy clusters in ion-irradiated Fe and measure their density as a function of depth. Despite large concentrations of dislocations and voids in the pristine samples, positron annihilation measurements uncovered the structure of vacancy clusters and the change in their size and density with irradiation dose. When combined with transmission electron microscopy measurements, the study demonstrates an association between the increase in the density of small vacancy clusters with irradiation and a remarkable reduction in the size of large voids. This, previously unknown, mechanism for the interaction of cascade damage with voids in ion-irradiated materials is a consequence of the high porosity of the initial microstructure.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2022

Interface effect of Fe and Fe 2 O 3 on the distributions of ion induced defects

The stability of structural materials in extreme nuclear reactor environments—with high temperature, high radiation, and corrosive media—directly affects the lifespan of the reactor. In such extreme environments, an oxide layer on the metal surface acts as a passive layer protecting the metal underneath from corrosion. To predict the irradiation effect on the metal layer in these metal/oxide bilayers, nondestructive depth-resolved positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) and complementary transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to investigate small-scale defects created by ion irradiation in an epitaxially grown (100) Fe film capped with a 50 nm Fe 2 O 3 oxide layer. In this study, the evolution of induced vacancies was monitored, from individual vacancy formation at low doses—10 –5 dpa—to larger vacancy cluster formation at increasing doses, showing the sensitivity of positron annihilation spectroscopy technique. Furthermore, PALS measurements reveal how the presence of a metal–oxide interface modifies the distribution of point defects induced by irradiation. TEM measurements show that irradiation induced dislocations at the interface is the mechanism behind the redistribution of point defects causing their accumulation close to the interface. Finally, this work demonstrates that the passive oxide layers formed during corrosion impact the distribution and accumulation of radiation induced defects in the metal underneath and emphasizes that the synergistic impact of radiation and corrosion will differ from their individual impacts.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

NASA NTRS1990

Electronic structure Fermi liquid theory of high T(sub c) superconductors: Comparison with experiments

For years, there has been controversy on whether the normal state of the Cu-oxide superconductors is a Fermi liquid or some other exotic ground state. However, some experimentalists are clarifying the nature of the normal state of the high T(sub c) superconductors by surmounting the experimental difficulties in producing clean, well characterized surfaces so as to obtain meaningful high resolved photoemission data, which agrees with earlier positron-annihilation experiments. The experimental work on high resolution angle resolved photoemission by Campuzano et al. and positron-annihilation studies by Smedskjaer et al. has verified the calculated Fermi surfaces in YBa2Cu3O7 superconductors and has provided evidence for the validity of the energy band approach. Similar good agreement was found for Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 by Olson et al. As a Fermi liquid (metallic) nature of the normal state of the high T(sub c) superconductors becomes evident, these experimental observations have served to confirm the predictions of the local density functional calculations and hence the energy band approach as a valid natural starting point for further studies of their superconductivity.

Freeman, A. J.↗

DOE OSTI2021

Identification of Auger mechanisms responsible for low energy electron emission from graphene on copper using Auger-gamma coincidence spectroscopy

We have applied positron annihilation induced Auger-gamma coincidence spectroscopy to identify important mechanisms responsible for the emission of low energy electrons following the sudden creation of holes in bilayer graphene on copper substrate. The novel surface spectroscopic method measures the energy of the Doppler shifted annihilation gamma photon in coincidence with the Auger electron emitted following the relaxation of the hole created by the annihilation of a surface electron with a surface trapped positron. By extracting and theoretically modelling the annihilation gamma spectra coincident with low energy electrons, we associate majority of the intensity in the low energy (7 eV–25 eV) region of the Auger spectrum to electron emission following Auger decays of 2s holes in adsorbed oxygen and deep valence holes in graphene. We provide additional support to this conclusion by showing that most of the Auger electrons with energy less than ~ 25 eV are coincident with gamma photons with small Doppler shift (511 keV–512 keV) indicating that the primary electron whose annihilation resulted in low energy Auger electron emission had small momentum parallel to the gamma emission direction. On the other hand, majority of the Auger electrons measured in coincidence with the photons having maximum Doppler shift (515 keV–521 keV) were emitted following the decay of core holes (C 1s and O 1s). Furthermore, by selecting annihilation gamma photons coincident only with the O KVV (from surface adsorbed oxygen), C KVV (graphene), and Cu MVV (copper substrate) Auger electrons, we have also experimentally derived the energy spectrum of Doppler shifted gamma photons resulting from the annihilation of positrons with 1s electrons of O, 1s electrons of C and 3p electrons of Cu respectively. Model Doppler broadened gamma spectra produced using ab-initio calculations agree well with the experimentally derived line shapes. This demonstrates the ability of Auger-gamma coincidence method to experimentally resolve the Doppler broadened annihilation gamma spectrum from surfaces into its veiled electronic level constituents which has, heretofore, relied solely on theoretical analysis. Our results also demonstrate that the line shape of the Doppler broadened annihilation gamma peak reflect the chemical composition of the topmost atomic layer and can thus be used to characterize both external and inaccessible surfaces of porous materials.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

NASA NTRS1991

Observations of the Galactic center 511 keV line

A review of observations of the positron annihilation 511 keV line from the Galactic center and plane is presented. Emphasis is given to the new data from balloon observations in 1988 and 1989. The positron annihilation source in the direction of the center was found to be turned on again in 1988 October after being observed in a quiescent state since the early 1980s. There is evidence for variability between May and October in 1988. The new observations give the first data in which the line is spectrally resolved and in which the Galactic center and plane components of the annihilation radiation are independently measured. These data support the two-component model of the emission with a variable point source near the center and a steady-state source distributed along the galactic plane. Comparing measurements of narrow and wide field instruments in the 1980s gives a flux of about 8 x 10 exp -4 photons/sq cm/s for the point source in its high state and a flux of about 1.2 x 10 exp-3 photons/sq cm/s/rad for the galactic plane component with a relatively flat distribution over the central radian. The line width for the point source component is about 3 keV FWHM.

Gehrels, Neil↗

DOE OSTI2025

Influence of neutrino-electron scattering and neutrino-pair annihilation on hypermassive neutron star

Here, we investigate the influence of inelastic neutrino microphysics in general-relativistic magnetohydrodynamics simulations of a hypermassive neutron star. In particular, we include species/energy groups coupled neutrino-matter interactions, such as inelastic neutrino-electron scattering and electron-positron annihilation kernels, into simulations up to 50 ms. Neutrino-electron inelastic scattering is known to have effective neutrino-matter energy exchange. We show that, with neutrino-electron inelastic scattering, simulations predict 75% higher disc mass with slightly different mass-averaged compositions, and 18% more ejected mass with similar distributions. The enhancement of the mass of the disc and the ejecta results in stronger baryon pollution, leading to less favorable jet launching environments. Furthermore, neutrino luminosities are about 50%, 40%, and 30% higher for electron neutrino, electron antineutrino, and heavy-lepton neutrinos. In contrast, we do not see any significant impacts due to electron-positron annihilation.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

NASA NTRS1972

Position annihilation radiation from neutron stars

Matter accreted on the surfaces of neutron stars consists of energetic particles of a few tens to a couple hundred MeV/nucleon, depending on the neutron star mass. In addition to heat, such particles produce nuclear reactions with the surface material. It is proposed that the recently observed 473 + or - 30 keV spectral feature from the galactic center is gravitationally red-shifted positron annihilation radiation produced at the surfaces of old neutron stars. The principal observational tests of the model would be the detection of nuclear gamma ray lines from the galactic center and red-shifted positron annihilation radiation from the galactic disk.

Ramaty, R.↗