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Photomagnetic positron annihilation effects

Conference · · Adv. Chem. Ser.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6790629

The annihilation characteristics of positrons in phosphorescent substances can be altered by illumination with uv light. This phenomenon and its quantitative aspects agree with the idea that some positrons capture an electron to form ortho- or para-positronium, and that the interaction with the excited triplet states of the illuminated phosphor molecules quenches positronium through spin conversion. Photomagnetic positronium spin conversion cross sections are very large, approximately 10/sup 4/..pi.. ..cap alpha../sup 2//sub 0/. They correspond to interaction ranges of about 30 A and are symptomatic of the wave mechanical behavior of positronium in matter. Analysis suggests that the photomagnetic effect proceeds by a process labeled spin flip in which ortho- and para-positronium interconvert under the simultaneous quenching of the excited triplet state to the singlet molecular ground state. 5 figures, 5 tables.

Research Organization:
New York Univ., NY
OSTI ID:
6790629
Report Number(s):
CONF-770510-P4
Journal Information:
Adv. Chem. Ser.; (United States), Journal Name: Adv. Chem. Ser.; (United States) Vol. 175; ISSN ADCSA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English