Total and positronium formation cross-sections in polyatomic molecules

Abstract

Total cross-section (TCS) studies of positron and electron impacts in polyatomic molecules are presented experimentally and theoretically. The polarization interaction in the positron and electron scattering processes by polyatomic molecules is discussed. Positronium (Ps) formation cross-sections in many polyatomic molecules are also measured at 2 eV above the corresponding Ps formation thresholds. And the results are analyzed based on the physical properties of the positron–molecule interaction systematically. Comparative studies of the vibrational excitation cross-sections by positron and electron impacts are also briefly described.