The positron, the antiparticle of the electron, has the same mass and charge as an electron, but with the sign flipped for the charge. It is an alluring molecule for researchers in light of the fact that the utilization of positrons has prompted significant bits of knowledge and improvements in the fields of rudimentary molecule physical science, nuclear physical science, materials science, astronomy, and medication.
For example, positrons are known to be parts of antimatter. They are likewise strong in identifying cross-section surrenders in solids and semiconductors and in the underlying examination of the highest surface of gems.
Positronic compounds, specifically bound conditions of positrons with standard iotas, atoms, or particles, address a captivating part of positron-matter connections and have been tentatively concentrated through the perception of positron destruction in gases. It very well might be feasible to produce new particles by means of the development of positron compounds; however, no exploration has at any point been finished according to such a viewpoint.
“The stability and binding properties of positronic compounds provide novel perspectives on the interaction of antiparticles with ordinary substances, paving the way for novel investigations in the field of quantum chemistry. In the future, the proposed method could pave the way for the generation of new molecular ions and molecules.”
Dr. Takayuki Tachibana, former Assistant Professor at TUS.
In this setting, an exploration group, including Teacher Yasuyuki Nagashima from Tokyo College of Science (TUS), Japan, has tracked down an imaginative method for investigating the connections among positrons and ionic precious stones. Their work, distributed in Actual Survey Letters, involved cooperative endeavors from Dr. Takayuki Tachibana, a previous collaborator teacher at TUS and presently a subsidiary of Rikkyo College, and Mr. Daiki Hoshi, a previous alumni understudy at TUS.
The specialists utilized a method in view of a very well-investigated peculiarity emerging from the barrage of a strong electron shaft. “It has for quite some time been known that when electrons are infused into a strong surface, particles that make up the surface are shot out as monoatomic positive particles,” makes sense of Dr. Tachibana. This cycle, known as electron-invigorated desorption, propelled the group to investigate what might occur in the event that a gem was rather besieged with positrons.
In their examinations, the scientists shot either a positron or electron shaft at the (110) surface of a lithium fluoride (LiF) gem. Utilizing painstakingly positioned electric fields produced by diverters, they controlled the episode energies of the charged particles. Also, the diverters empowered them to divert any particles desorbed from the gem towards a particle finder. The distinguished signs were then used for spectroscopic examination to recognize the exact synthesis of the desorbed particles.
They found that when the LiF precious stone was lit with electrons, just the normal monoatomic particles, specifically Li+, F+, and H+ (because of the remaining gases in the exploratory chamber), were recognized. Notwithstanding, infusing the precious stone with positrons prompted the location of positive atomic fluorine particles (F2+) and positive hydrogen fluoride particles (FH+). Outstandingly, this is the very first report of sub-atomic particles being shot out upon positron illumination.
After additional investigation and trial and error, the scientists developed a desorption model to make sense of their perceptions. As per this model, as positrons are infused into a strong, some of them return to the surface subsequent to losing their energy. On account of LiF precious stones, these positrons might draw in two adjoining fluorine negative particles on a superficial level to frame a positronic compound.
In the event that the bound positron destroys one of the fluorine particle’s center electrons, an exceptional kind of electron, known as a Drill electron, is transmitted, bringing about a charge trade and the age of a positive F2+ sub-atomic particle. This particle is pushed out of the gem by the rebuffing powers of the nearby Li+ particles.
The discoveries of this study could encourage how we might interpret matter-antimatter connections. “The security and restricting properties of positronic compounds give extraordinary viewpoints on the collaboration of antiparticles with common substances, making them ready for novel examinations in the field of quantum science,” said Dr. Tachibana. “The proposed strategy could, in this manner, make ready for the age of new atomic particles and particles later on.”
Prominently, the methodology could be utilized in many applied fields. In materials science, adjusting the outer layer of materials and studying their properties with extraordinary precision could be utilized. Other potential applications incorporate malignant growth treatment, quantum computing, energy capacity, and cutting-edge electronic gadgets.
More information: T. Tachibana et al, Molecular Ion Desorption from LiF(110) Surfaces by Positron Annihilation, Physical Review Letters (2023). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.131.143201
