On the kinematics of one-photon annihilation of orthopositronium
- Research and Production Association, St. Petersburg (Russian Federation)
The investigation of positronium (Ps) promoted the development of QED and the formalism of the relativistic bound state in quantum field theory. The typical feature of the modern stage of these investigations is the superior precision of absolute measurements of the orthopositronium ({sup T}Ps) lifetime and of the corresponding calculations. They allow us to state with confidence that the experimental rate {lambda}{sub T} of {sup T}Ps self-annihilation (3{gamma}-annihilation) exceeds the theoretical value {lambda}{sub T}(theor) = 7.03830 {+-} 0.0005 {mu}s{sup {minus}1} ({approximately} 0.0007%). The annihilation of free {sup T}Ps into one real photon is kinematically forbidden in standard QED. A way out of this impasse can be found using the hypothesis of mixing of {sup T}Ps with a `twin` {sup T}Ps{prime} in the `mirror Universe` (the coupling constant satisfies the condition 10{sup {minus}6} < {epsilon} < 10{sup {minus}3}) because {sup T}Ps, unlike parapositronium {sup S}Ps, emits and absorbs one virtual photon. This fact can be used to construct a consistent kinematics of one-photon {sup T}Ps annihilation based on the assumption that the `mirror Universe` carries away the recoil energy and momentum. The purpose of this work is to refine the earlier formulation of the phenomenology of one-photon {sup T}Ps annihilation. On this basis, the authors substantiate the necessity to supplement modern experimental investigations (carried out since 1989) with a program of critical experiments in which special emphasis is placed on the search for one-photon annihilation.
- OSTI ID:
- 88760
- Journal Information:
- Physics of Atomic Nuclei, Journal Name: Physics of Atomic Nuclei Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 58; ISSN 1063-7788; ISSN PANUEO
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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