Doppler broadening measurements of positron annihilation using bremsstrahlung radiation

Abstract The first system to measure Doppler broadening of positron annihilation based on during electron-pulse bremsstrahlung radiation has been constructed and demonstrated. No photon-induced activation or positron emitters are involved in the process. The collimated bremsstrahlung radiation from a small electron accelerator, which exhibits excellent penetrability, is used to generate positrons inside the sample via pair production. The annihilation photons are recorded by a HPGe detector. The line-shape parameters of Doppler broadening can be used to identify defects in pure metals and alloys. The dependence of these parameters on different elements has been measured and shows promise as a probe of momentum of electronic wave-functions in pure and composite materials. This method also shows promise as an additional tool for measuring elemental composition, when used in conjunction with accelerator-based X-ray fluorescence.