Positronium Decay Rates in Gases
Presentation Type
Poster/Portfolio
Presenter Major(s)
Physics, Mathematics
Mentor Information
Richard Vallery
Department
Physics
Location
Kirkhof Center KC9
Start Date
11-4-2012 9:00 AM
Keywords
Mathematical Science, Physical Science
Abstract
Theoretical work on the heavier noble gases, xenon in particular, has suggested that the temperature dependence of the rate at which orthopositronium (o-Ps) decays is non-linear with increasing temperature. However, there is little experimental data on the heavier noble gases to support the theory, and the data that does exist is inconclusive. This non-linearity is in opposition to both the theoretical and experimental work on the lighter noble gases like helium, neon and argon, which have shown a linear dependence with respect to temperature. The goal of this experiment is to investigate the temperature dependence of the decay rate of o-Ps in xenon gas. We will use a high-pressure gas cell with a positron source inside as the basic setup of the experiment. So far, design and construction has been completed on the temperature control system, including the temperature controller electronics, the heaters, and the insulated housing for the gas cell.
Positronium Decay Rates in Gases
Kirkhof Center KC9
Theoretical work on the heavier noble gases, xenon in particular, has suggested that the temperature dependence of the rate at which orthopositronium (o-Ps) decays is non-linear with increasing temperature. However, there is little experimental data on the heavier noble gases to support the theory, and the data that does exist is inconclusive. This non-linearity is in opposition to both the theoretical and experimental work on the lighter noble gases like helium, neon and argon, which have shown a linear dependence with respect to temperature. The goal of this experiment is to investigate the temperature dependence of the decay rate of o-Ps in xenon gas. We will use a high-pressure gas cell with a positron source inside as the basic setup of the experiment. So far, design and construction has been completed on the temperature control system, including the temperature controller electronics, the heaters, and the insulated housing for the gas cell.