Two positrons can form a chemical bond in (PsH)₂

Area of Science:

• Quantum Chemistry
• Atomic and Molecular Physics
• Positron Interactions

Background:

• Chemical bonds typically involve electrons, as described by Heitler and London for the hydrogen molecule.
• Positrons, the antiparticles of electrons, are generally expected to annihilate upon interaction with matter.
• The concept of chemical bonding, originating with Lewis, has historically focused on electron behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the possibility of positrons forming chemical bonds.
• To explore the behavior of positronium hydride (PsH) atoms in forming molecular structures.
• To determine if positrons can mimic electron behavior in chemical bonding scenarios.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical modeling of positron interactions with ions.
• Quantum mechanical calculations to determine bonding states.
• Analogical comparison with established electron-based molecular formation.

Main Results:

• Two positrons can form a stable chemical bond between two repelling ions, forming a (PsH)₂ species.
• The stability of the (PsH)₂ molecule depends on the spin configuration of the two positrons (opposite spins lead to bonding).
• This behavior mirrors the formation of the hydrogen molecule from two electrons with opposite spins.

Conclusions:

• This study demonstrates that two positrons can form a chemical bond, behaving analogously to electrons.
• The findings expand the fundamental definition of a chemical bond to include antiparticles like positrons.
• Suggests potential experimental pathways for the creation and detection of such novel positron-based molecules.