The ionization of organic molecules by slow positrons

Abstract

The ionization of organic molecules by positrons having energies above and below their positronium-formation thresholds is reviewed. The sensitivity of sub-positronium-ionization yields to chemical and structural properties of the molecules is discussed, and possible mechanisms for ionization and fragmentation are suggested. Plans are presented for future experiments to further elucidate mechanisms and to search for evidence of positronium compound formation.