Structures in positron–atom and molecule total cross sections

Abstract

Resonances in positron scattering from several atomic and molecular species are predicted by theoretical models. However, only positron–molecule binding was experimentally confirmed so far. Sharp structures in positron total cross sections were also measured; however, their detection is still in a very preliminary stage owing to instrumental limitations. Here we briefly review the present knowledge about structures in low-energy positron scattering. Based on further measurements and re-analysis of the experimental data collected at the University of Trento, we also present evidence of sharp structures in the total cross sections for several atomic and molecular targets. We find that the behaviour of some of those features can be described using the equation of a Fano resonance line-shape, despite the fact that an actual resonant scattering process might not be involved. Possible mechanisms that can give rise to such structures still need to be identified. Further independent experimental work using high-resolution spectrometers is needed in order to confirm the existence of structures in positron scattering cross sections.