A Method to Measure Positron Beam Polarization Using Optically Polarized Atoms

We outline an experimental technique for measuring the degree of polarization of a positron beam using an optically pumped, spin-polarized Rb target. The technique is based on the production and measurement of the ortho- and para-positronium fractions through positron collisions with the Rb atoms as...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Joshua R. Machacek, Sean Hodgman, Stephen Buckman, T. J. Gay
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2023-04-01
Series:Atoms
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2218-2004/11/4/65
Description
Summary:We outline an experimental technique for measuring the degree of polarization of a positron beam using an optically pumped, spin-polarized Rb target. The technique is based on the production and measurement of the ortho- and para-positronium fractions through positron collisions with the Rb atoms as a function of their polarization. Using realistic estimates for the cross sections and experimental parameters involved, we estimate that a polarization measurement with an uncertainty of 3% of the measured value can be achieved in an hour.
ISSN:2218-2004