Adiabatic formation of quasibound states of antihydrogen
- Department of Physics, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 76203 (United States)
The classical trajectory of an initially unbound positron within the electric field of an antiproton and a uniform magnetic field is simulated in three dimensions. Several simulations are run incorporating experimental parameters used for antihydrogen production, which has been achieved by two different groups [M. Amoretti et al., Nature (London) 419, 456 (2002); G. Gabrielse et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 89, 213401 (2002)]. The simulations indicate that temporary bound states of antihydrogen can form at positive energies, where the energy of the system is defined to be zero when the positron and antiproton are at rest with infinite separation. Such quasibound states, which form only when the magnetic field is present, are typically smaller than 0.4 {mu}m in a dimension perpendicular to the magnetic field. An analytical model is developed for a formation cross section, and it is found that quasibound states may form more frequently than stable Rydberg states.
- OSTI ID:
- 20709775
- Journal Information:
- Physical Review. E, Statistical Physics, Plasmas, Fluids, and Related Interdisciplinary Topics, Journal Name: Physical Review. E, Statistical Physics, Plasmas, Fluids, and Related Interdisciplinary Topics Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 72; ISSN PLEEE8; ISSN 1063-651X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Two-species mixing in a nested Penning trap for antihydrogen trapping
Effect of positron space charge on operation of an antihydrogen trap