Quantum theory of positronium formation at surfaces

Abstract

A quantum-mechanical theory of positronium formation at surfaces is presented. The neutralization probability of positrons implanted into solids escaping from a surface is calculated. The theory of the resonant neutralization of ions at a surface is improved for positrons by taking into account the quantum effect of the motion of the positrons near the surface. The angular distributions and the energy distributions of the emitted positronium are calculated. We give the relationship of the positronium energy distribution and the density of states at the surface.