Theory
Theoretical efforts in CAMS will focus on two main areas: calculations of positron binding to matter and calculations of positron scattering from matter. Efforts will be tied in with the experimental program, to both test the latest experimental results and the most recent theoretical predictions.
Collision physics
At Murdoch University we are interested in many forms of interactions involving matter and antimatter. Historically, the main interest has been in the area of electron and photon collisions with atoms. These are single centre systems that have allowed the testing of theoretical methods for treating few-body systems dominated by electron interactions. The positron-atom system is very interesting due to its two centre nature involving rearrangement collisions that lead to positronium formation. As such it is a prototype of all chemical reactions which are even more complicated examples of rearrangement collisions.
We are also interested in proton and antiproton collisions with atoms. These are also multicentre systems, but require a different theoretical approach. Here partial wave expansions are typically prohibitively large and so more direct methods of solving the scattering equations are being developed.
The motivation for the research is a mix of fundamental science and meeting the demand of applications. Thus far the theoretical predictions have been used extensively in the areas of astrophysics, fusion and lighting. As part of our research in CAMS we expect to also contribute to diverse areas that include positron emission tomography and antihydrogen formation, as well as providing theoretical support to the positron scattering experimental programmes within the Centre.
Positron binding to matter
Research to be carried out at CDU.
