Abstract
Positronium (Ps) scattering by noble-gas atoms (He, Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe) is studied in the frozen-target
approximation and with inclusion of the van der Waals interaction. Single-particle electron and positron states in
the field of the target atom are calculated, with the system enclosed by a hard spherical wall. The two-particle Ps
wave function is expanded in these states, and the Hamiltonian matrix is diagonalized, giving the Ps energy levels
in the cavity. Scattering phase shifts, scattering lengths, and cross sections are extracted from these energies and
compared with existing calculations and experimental data. Analysis of the effect of the van der Waals interaction
shows that it cannot explain the recent experimental data of Brawley et al. for Ar and Xe [Phys. Rev. Lett. 115,
223201 (2015)].
Original language | English |
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Article number | 012706 |
Number of pages | 16 |
Journal | Physical Review A (Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics) |
Volume | 97 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 22 Jan 2018 |