Theoretical Formalism To Estimate the Positron Scattering Cross Section

Area of Science:

• Atomic and Molecular Physics
• Quantum Mechanics
• Computational Chemistry

Background:

• Positron scattering is crucial in atomic/molecular physics, astrophysics, and medicine.
• Previous theoretical models faced challenges in accurately describing positron-target interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel theoretical formalism for calculating total cross sections in positron scattering.
• To apply this method to simple atoms (C, N, O) and diatomic molecules (C2, N2, O2).

Main Methods:

• Utilizes the spherical complex optical potential formalism.
• Incorporates positron-target interactions within this framework.
• Calculates total cross sections across a wide energy range (1-5000 eV).

Main Results:

• The model yields total cross sections with a more consistent shape and magnitude compared to existing theories.
• A characteristic dip below 10 eV is observed, attributed to positronium formation.
• The first computational model to report positron scattering cross sections from 1 to 5000 eV.

Conclusions:

• The developed method offers a consistent approach to positron scattering calculations.
• Deviations from experimental data at low energies are identified and explained.
• The results show reasonable agreement with previous data, establishing a new benchmark.