Matter/Antimatter Interactions in Gases
Presentation Type
Poster/Portfolio
Presenter Major(s)
Physics
Mentor Information
Richard Vallery
Department
Physics
Location
Kirkhof Center KC54
Start Date
10-4-2013 9:00 AM
End Date
10-4-2013 10:00 AM
Keywords
Physical Science
Abstract
Theoretical work on the heavier noble gases, xenon and krypton in particular, has suggested that the temperature dependence of the decay rate of orthopositronium is non-linear in the temperature range being considered. However, there is little experimental data on the heavier noble gases to support the theory. This 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 orthopositronium in xenon gas. We will use a high-pressure gas cell with a positron source inside as the basic setup. 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. Construction is nearly completed for the gas handling system. We hope to begin taking preliminary data very soon.
Matter/Antimatter Interactions in Gases
Kirkhof Center KC54
Theoretical work on the heavier noble gases, xenon and krypton in particular, has suggested that the temperature dependence of the decay rate of orthopositronium is non-linear in the temperature range being considered. However, there is little experimental data on the heavier noble gases to support the theory. This 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 orthopositronium in xenon gas. We will use a high-pressure gas cell with a positron source inside as the basic setup. 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. Construction is nearly completed for the gas handling system. We hope to begin taking preliminary data very soon.