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New precision measurements of the decay rates of singlet and triplet positronium

Journal Article · · Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States)

Both the singlet and triplet decay rates (lambda/sub S/,lambda/sub T/) of positronium have been measured in a new direct timing experiment based on singlet-triplet state mixing for positronium formed in isobutane gas in a magnetic field. lambda/sub S/ = 7.994 +- 0.011 nsec/sup -1/ was found, a factor of 10 improvement in accuracy and the first measurement sensitive enough to test the radiative corrections to lambda/sub S/. lambda/sub T/ = 7.051 +- 0.005 ..mu..sec/sup -1/ was found, in agreement with previous measurements. The combined lambda/sub T/ data are not in satisfactory agreement with theory.

Research Organization:
Physics Department, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
OSTI ID:
6864550
Journal Information:
Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States) Vol. 49:8; ISSN PRLTA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English