Thermalization of Positronium in Gases

Abstract

The thermalization of positronium (Ps) formed at a few eV in gases is investigated using time-resolved, Doppler broadening measurements of the annihilation photons. Magnetic quenching permits energy measurements about 40 ns after Ps is formed in ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$, ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$, He, Ne, Ar, isobutane, and neopentane. The thermalization rate is measured by changing the gas density, and a classical elastic scattering cross section and a Ps formation energy are determined. The impact of Ps thermalization on decay rate experiments using gases is also discussed.