Gamma-ray spectra in the positron-annihilation process of molecules at room temperature

Abstract

In this study, a fully self-consistent method was developed to obtain the wave functions of the positron and electrons in molecules simultaneously. The wave function of a positron at room temperature, with a characteristic energy of approximately 0.04 eV [1], was used to analyse the experimental results of its annihilation in helium, neon, hydrogen, and methane molecules. The interactions between the positron and molecule provide a significant correction in the gamma-ray spectra of the annihilating electron–positron pairs. It was also observed that high-order correlations offered almost no correction in the spectra, as the interaction between the low-energy positron and electrons cannot drive the electrons into excited electronic states. More accurate studies, which consider the coupling of the positron–electron pair states and vibration states of nuclei, must be undertaken.