Field ionization of strongly magnetized rydberg positronium: A new physical mechanism for positron accumulation

Magnetized Rydberg positronium forms when an energetic positron ( e(+)) slows within a tungsten crystal and picks up an electron ( e(-)) as it emerges in a strong magnetic field. The signature is equal numbers of e(+) and e(-) when a weak electric field is applied, either of which can be accumulated and counted. The new e(+) accumulation technique is simple, robust, and much more efficient than any other demonstrated to be compatible with a cryogenic vacuum. Possible applications include the study of cold single component plasmas of e(+) and the formation of cold antihydrogen.