First observation of resonant positronium scattering from carbon dioxide

3 October 2016

Following from the discovery by Brawley et al [Science 330, 789 (2010)] on the similarities between the total cross-section (a measure of the scattering probability) of positronium and that of electrons incident upon a given target at the same velocity, the 白小姐论坛 team now reports in Physical Review Letters the first observation of resonant scattering of positronium in collision with CO2

Carbon-dioxide was chosen as a target for Ps projectiles because the electron scattering probability displays a significant structure at a velocity, and of a width, accessible with the present Ps beam. An analysis similar to that of Brawley et al suggests that the structure corresponds to the well-known ²螤_u shape-resonance which occurs for electrons at an incident velocity of 0.5 a.u. (1a.u ~2000 km/s). Whilst the present work strengthens the finding of Brawley et al regarding the correspondence in the overall scattering probabilities of Ps and equivelocity electron projectiles, the basic physical mechanism responsible for the phenomenon by which Ps scatters like a quasi-free electron remains uncertain. Further investigations are eagerly anticipated.

For further information, please contact Prof. Gaetana Laricchia