Penetration of Positrons in Solid Targets

Authors

Maurizio Dapor, Istituto Trentino di CulturaFollow

Abstract

The study of the interaction of positron beams with solid targets has been approached by several investigators, also due to its importance for positron annihilation spectroscopy. This technique allows non-destructive investigations of the structural defects of surfaces and interfaces: in particular information is provided about the nature and distribution of point defects in solid materials. The solution of the diffusion equation, necessary to obtain the fractions of incident positrons annihilated at different depths inside the target, requires the knowledge of the positron stopping profile, i.e., the initial depth distribution of the thermalized positrons. Also transmission of positrons is of great interest because, according to the present model, it allows one, once backscattering is known, to calculate the total fraction of particles absorbed by the target as a function of depth and primary energy. A theoretical model is proposed to compute both stopping profiles and transmission of positrons: the theory is compared with the Mills and Wilson experimental data concerning low energy positrons (< 6 keV).

Recommended Citation

Dapor, Maurizio (1995) "Penetration of Positrons in Solid Targets," Scanning Microscopy: Vol. 9: No. 4, Article 2.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/microscopy/vol9/iss4/2