Positronium: A Review of the Calculations.
Abstract
For typical magnetospheric densities, free positrons have a lifetime of between one million and one trillion seconds. A portion of the injected positrons undergo free annihilation and a portion form positronium. Results are given of the theoretical calculations of positronium properties without presenting the intermediate steps that depend on a knowledge of quantum electrodynamics. This paper is a review of the calculations of positronium state (1) decay rates, (2) energy levels, and (3) external field behavior. Theoretical results are compared with only the latest experimental results. The coverage is substantially complete from the pre-experimental years (1930 to 1950) to the present (1974). Emphasis is placed on stating final theoretical results and giving references to original work rather than giving a step-by-step account of the calculations. (Modified author abstract)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 03, 1974
- Accession Number
- AD0783774
Entities
People
- Michael A. Stroscio
Organizations
- Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratories