[en] The value of modified effective range theory (MERT) and the connection between differential cross sections and phase shifts in low-energy electron scattering has long been recognized. Recent experimental techniques involving magnetically confined beams have introduced the concept of folded differential cross sections (FDCS) where the forward (θ ≤ π/2) and backward scattered (θ ≥ π/2) projectiles are unresolved, that is the value measured at the angle θ is the sum of the signal for particles scattered into the angles θ and π − θ. We have developed an alternative approach to MERT in order to analyse low-energy folded differential cross sections for positrons and electrons. This results in a simplified expression for the FDCS when it is expressed in terms of partial waves and thereby enables one to extract the first few phase shifts from a fit to an experimental FDCS at low energies. Thus, this method predicts forward and backward angle scattering (0 to π) using only experimental FDCS data and can be used to determine the total elastic cross section solely from experimental results at low-energy, which are limited in angular range. (paper)

[en] We present a Monte Carlo simulation of a cylindrical luminescent volume and a typical lens-detector system. The results of this simulation yield a graphically simple picture of the regions within the cylindrical volume from which this system detects light. Because the cylindrical volume permits large angles of incidence, we use a modification of the thin-lens approximation for ray tracing. We compare simulation results with concepts from imaging optics, and comment on implications for experimental design.

[en] Power-law size distributions expected to be applicable to possible carriers of extended red emission (ERE) have been examined using Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. Si nanoparticles and some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon complexes such as oligoacene and oligorylenes with energy gaps close to 2 eV have been considered. In the simplest case of unit quantum efficiency, the MC-generated size distributions are used to obtain photoluminescence (PL) spectra that are then corrected for dust extinction and reddening effects for comparison with observed ERE spectra. It is shown that a power-law size distribution with a decay exponent of α = 7/2, which closely agrees with starlight extinction data, fails to produce an ERE-like spectrum. However, size distributions with decay exponents of α = 19/12 and 3/2 are found to lead to acceptable spectra. Results indicate that energetic photon-induced breakup and competing aggregation effects dominate collisional effects in producing the observed steady-state mass distribution. It is shown that the peak wavelength of emission critically depends on the band gap, rather than cluster mass, which for oligoacenes and oligorylenes is widely different. The peak wavelength is also shown to be insensitive to dust attenuation.

[en] We present recent measurements of the total scattering and positronium formation cross sections for Uracil, THF, 3H-THF and make comparisons with previous work and recent results; H₂O and Pyrimidine.

[en] Detailed elastic cross-section measurements in the vicinity of the positronium (Ps) formation threshold for He, Ne, Ar, Kr and Xe show a cusp-like feature, made visible by a small and localised depression of between (2 to 15%) of the cross-section value. Other near-threshold structures such as scattering resonances have been demonstrated in close-coupling and convergent-close-coupling calculations for helium. This investigation is undertaken to explicitly search for the presence or otherwise of scattering structures using a high efficiency (∼ 1 % statistical uncertainty) and high resolution (< 70 meV) transmission based apparatus.

[en] In an effort to aid the modelling of positron and positronium (Ps) transport in biological media we have compiled recent experimental results for the total Ps formation in positron scattering from atoms and molecules. A simple function was found to adequately describe the total Ps formation cross section for both atoms and molecules. The parameters of this function describe the magnitude and shape of the Ps formation cross section and are compared to physical characteristics of the target atoms and molecules. A general trend in the magnitude of the total Ps formation cross section is observed as a function of the target atom/molecule dipole polarisability. The functional form may enable quick estimation of the Ps cross section for molecules for which experimental measurements or theoretical estimates do not exist. (paper)

[en] We describe a simple and versatile method to manipulate the amplitude of the magnetron orbit of ions stored in a Penning trap, applied here to a cloud of low energy positrons. By applying a pulsed voltage to a split electrode in the trap, which is normally used for rotating wall compression of the particles, the size of the magnetron orbit can be changed at will. The modified orbit has been shown to be stable for many magnetron periods. The technique could find use in applications which require off-axis ejection of particles, for instance in the filling of arrays of traps for multicell positron storage.

[en] We have studied simultaneous photoionization and excitation of Ar in the range of incident photon energies between 36.00 and 36.36 eV, where the resonant production of doubly excited neutral Ar states imbedded in the ionization continuum is dominant. By measuring the relative Stokes parameters of the fluorescence from residual Ar⁺* (3p⁴ [³P] 4p) ions (²P_1/2, 465.8 nm transition; ²P_3/2, 476.5 nm; ²D_3/2, 472.7 nm; ²D_5/2, 488.0 nm; ⁴P_5/2, 480.6 nm; ⁴D_5/2, 514.5 nm) we demonstrate a technique for determining individual partial-wave cross sections in photoionizing collisions. This procedure is shown to be important in sorting out competing dynamical ionization mechanisms, particularly with regard to resonant production of intermediate doubly excited autoionizing states. Comparison with theoretical photoionization cross sections demonstrates that spin-orbit coupling between different states of Ar II needs to be accounted for in the calculations.

[en] High-resolution measurements of positron interactions with Ne and Ar are presented, as well as theoretical treatments. The data extend over a range of 0.3 to 60 eV and comprise measurements of the grand total, positonium formation, and grand total minus positronium formation cross sections. Theoretical treatments of scattering from Ne and Ar are performed under the relativistic optical potential approach, as well as calculations using the convergent close-coupling method. Comparisons of the present measurements and theories are made with previous theoretical and experimental work.

[en] Experimental progress in positron scattering from biologically relevant molecules. (paper)