Calorimetric and Positron Lifetime Measurements οf Hydrogenated Carbon Nanocones
The Annealing Behavior of the Subsurface Zone Induced by Friction in Bismuth Detected by Positron Lifetime Technique
The annealing behavior of the subsurface zone (SZ) in pure bismuth induced by dry sliding was studied using the positron lifetime measurement. This measurement allows us to detect the SZ and its recovery, and recrystallization processes. The comparative measurements of the sample exposed to compression revealed the thermal stability of the SZ. The compressed sample rebuilt its structure due to the recovery and recrystallization processes at the temperature of 60 °C, whereas the sample exposed to dry sliding does it at higher temperature of 260 °C, which is close to the melting point. The isothermal annealing at the temperature of 100 °C confirmed these results. The defect depth profile indu…
Annihilation Characteristics of Confined 2D Positronium
The 2D Positronium (2D Ps) atom confined in the 2D cave has been considered and its properties were compared with the 3D Positronium located in the infinity square well potential. Basing on the solution of Schrödinger equation for the 2D hydrogen atom the wave function of the 2D Ps was given. It allows us to calculate, for instance the angular correlation of the annihilation radiation (ACAR) of such a system. It was shown that the ACAR is much broad than ACAR for the 3D Ps and that for the Ps in the bubble model.
Application of Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy to Studies of Subsurface Zones Induced by Wear in Magnesium and Its Alloy AZ31
Interaction of sliding bodies is an important aspect of numerous applications and subject of many studies (Solecki, 1989). Generally, when two surfaces are loaded together the true contact area is much smaller than the apparent one. The true contact is only at high points or asperities of the surfaces where the interactions in the atomic scale take place. Relative movement between the surfaces leads to friction and wear processes. The rate of wear is controlled by the load, the relative velocity and the behaviour of the material near asperities. The region of asperities can be plastically deformed and the stress is transported to the deeper laying region that becomes elastically deformed (F…
The exact solution of the diffusion trapping model of defect profiling with variable energy positrons
We report an exact analytical solution of so-called positron diffusion trapping model. This model have been widely used for the treatment of the experimental data for defect profiling of the adjoin surface layer using the variable energy positron (VEP) beam technique. Hovewer, up to now this model could be treated only numerically with so-called VEPFIT program. The explicit form of the solutions is obtained for the realistic cases when defect profile is described by a discreet step-like function and continuous exponential-like function. Our solutions allow to derive the analytical expressions for typical positron annihilation characteristics including the positron lifetime spectrum. Latter …
Use of positron annihilation measurements to detect the defect beneath worn surface of stainless steel 1.4301 (EN) under dry sliding condition
Abstract Positron measurements were performed for detection of the subsurface zone in the stainless steel 1.4301 (EN) exposed to dry sliding. They revealed the defect profile induced by dry sliding which is extended inward the worn surface from 85 μm to 400 μm depending on the applied load during the tribo-test. This result was obtained using the positron techniques, while the microhardness profile exhibited shorter range of the microhardness depth profile, i.e., from 70 μm to 150 μm. However, at the depth of about 5 μm from the worn surface the sudden increase in the microhardness was observed. The complementary measurements of X-ray diffraction and SEM micrographs of the worn surface were…
The slowing down times of positrons emitted from selected β+ isotopes into metals
Abstract We report the GEANT4 Monte Carlo simulations and the approximated calculations of the slowing down time (SDT) for positrons emitted from three β+ isotopes, i.e., 22Na, 68Ge/68Ga and 48V. The first two isotopes are commonly used in the positron annihilation spectroscopy. The results revealed that the SDT exhibits the nonsymmetrical distribution and its average value depends on the end point energy of the isotope, the density and atomic number of the implanted material. For metals the average SDT varies from 0.4 ps to a few ps. We argue that this can affect the analysis of the measured positron lifetime and should be considered in theoretical calculations. The SDT in selected gases w…
Two-photon positron–electron annihilation in a strong magnetic field
Abstract We consider the two-photon positron and electron annihilation in flight, it means the annihilating particles exhibit the middly relativistic momenta in a super strong magnetic field. Such particles are present in the corona of pulsars and magnetars. The paper presents how the total emission rate for the two-photon process is affected not only by magnetic field but also by the relativistic momentum of the annihilating particles. We found that the momenta influence significantly the total emission rate and the directions of the emitted photons. Additionally, the total emission for the two-photon process is comparable to that for the one-photon process at the momentum of annihilating …
Study of the e<sup>+</sup> Distribution in a Layered Stack Sample Using Positron Lifetime Spectroscopy
The results of the Monte Carlo (MC) simulations, using GEANT4 codes, indicate the enhancement of the fraction of the e+ in the denser regions of the sample embedded by the less dense environment. The positron lifetime measurements, performed for two stacks of layers consisting of pure aluminum and silver do not seem to reveal this effect. Some features of the e+ distribution detected in the experiments are not reproduced by the MC simulations.
Positron preferential annihilation in Bi-Sb alloys
We report the measurements of the positron annihilation characteristics, i.e., positron lifetime and coincidence Doppler broadening spectra performed on five Bi-Sb alloys having a Bi content between 12.5 and 81 at.%. The strong effect of the preferential annihilation of positrons with the electrons of the Bi atoms has been revealed in these alloys.
The positron distribution in a layered stack sample studied with the use of positron lifetime spectroscopy
Abstract Computer simulation using GEANT4 codes indicates an enhancement of the fraction of implanted positrons stopped in the denser regions of a layered sample. However, positron lifetime measurements performed for layers of pure aluminum, silver and gold foils do not reveal this effect, indicating instead that backscattering plays an important role in determining the positron implantation profile in layered and/or heterogeneous samples.
The Computer Code for Calculations of the Positron Distribution in a Layered Stack Systems
In this paper we present experimental and theoretical studies of the implantation pro le of positrons emitted fromNa radionuclide into layered sample. The measured pro le for the nonsymmetrical, around the positron emitter, stack of aluminium and silver foils was measured using the depth scanning of implantation pro le technique. For the description of the obtained results two theoretical approaches were applied. The rst one was the Monte Carlo simulation using the GEANT4 tool kit. The generated pro le does not reproduce accurately the experimental pro le. We proposed the multiple scattering model based on the fact that a positron due to backscattering can travel as an energetic particle se…
Positron Annihilation Characteristics in Superstrong Magnetic Fields
The recent interest in positrons distribution in the space revealed the anomalous presence of high energetic positrons. There are different possible origins of such positrons, including the decay of heavy particles in the dark matter, also pulsars or neutron stars. In our study we calculated the annihilation properties of the electron – positron bound system in superstrong magnetic fields expected for neutron stars. For this aim we use solutions of the (relativistic) Bethe-Salpeter equation derived by L.B. Leinson and A. Perez [1]. The results indicate strong dependency of the annihilation properties (rate and intensity) on the value of the magnetic field.
The “accumulation effect” of positrons in the stack of foils, detected by measurements of the positron implantation profile
The profiles of positrons implanted from the radioactive source 22Na into a stack of foils and plates are the subject of our experimental and theoretical studies. The measurements were performed using the depth scanning of positron implantation profile method, and the theoretical calculations using the phenomenological multi-scattering model (MSM). Several stacks consisting of silver, gold and aluminum foils, and titanium and germanium plates were investigated. We notice that the MSM describes well the experimental profiles; however when the stack consisting of silver and gold foils, the backscattering and linear absorption coefficients differ significantly from those reported in the litera…
Positron Studies of Subsurface Zone in Titanium Created in Sliding Wear
Positron annihilation studies of the subsurface zone constituted during dry sliding in pure titanium are reported. A new type of defect depth profile in this zone, which is not an exponential decay usually reported for other metals and alloys, is observed. Two layers in the subsurface zone are present in this metal. In the layer adjacent to the worn surface, the characteristic plateau of the mean positron lifetime that extends to a depth of 60–70 μm was observed. Small vacancy clusters and dislocations were recognized in this layer. At deeper zone, the mean positron lifetime decreased exponentially in the manner typical for the other metals. In this zone, vacancy clusters increase in size a…
Positron Annihilation Study of Defects Induced by Various Cutting Methods in Stainless Steel Grade 304
We report in this article the comparison of the subsurface zones (SZs) in austenitic stainless steel 304 samples created by three cutting techniques, i.e., the laser cutting (LC), abrasive water jet (AWJ), and traditional milling cutting (MC). The crystal lattice defects distribution in this zone were investigated using the positron annihilation method. It was shown that the MC creates the great number mainly edge dislocations decorated by vacancies. Their concentration decreases with the increase of the depth from the cut surface. The total depth of the SZ is extended up to 150 μm from the cut surface. Similar dependency was observed for the AWJ machining but the total depth is much lower,…
Positron annihilation studies of recrystallization in the subsurface zone induced by friction in magnesium—effect of the inhomogeneity on measured positron annihilation characteristics
The discussion of the positron annihilation studies of crystal structure defects, like vacancies, dislocations, grain boundaries and the defect depth profile, is presented. The role of the positron implantation depth and positron diffusion in such studies has been considered in detail. For description of the measured annihilation characteristics the proposed theoretical models take into account both effects. The annealing studies of defects created in pure magnesium by compression or dry sliding-wear were used for demonstration of the discussed thesis. The positron lifetime measurements were applied for monitoring open volume defects behavior. It was demonstrated that annealing at the tempe…
The multi-scattering model for calculations of positron spatial distribution in the multilayer stacks, useful for conventional positron measurements
The spatial distribution of positrons emitted from radioactive isotopes into stacks or layered samples is a subject of the presented report. It was found that Monte Carlo (MC) simulations using GEANT4 code are not able to describe correctly the experimental data of the positron fractions in stacks. The mathematical model was proposed for calculations of the implantation profile or positron fractions in separated layers or foils being components of a stack. The model takes into account only two processes, i.e., the positron absorption and backscattering at interfaces. The mathematical formulas were applied in the computer program called LYS-1 (layers profile analysis). The theoretical predic…
Positron implantation profiles in layered samples
The paper presents theoretical and experimental studies of the positron implantation profiles in layered samples. The Monte Carlo simulations performed using the GEANT4 toolkit reveal accumulation of positrons in the denser layer embedded between two less dense layers. That effect is significant not only for low energy positrons at slow monoenergetic positron beams but also for high energy positrons which are emitted from radioactive nuclei in conventional experiments. Measurements of the positron implantation profile into the samples which consist of silver and aluminium foils of different thickness show profile features which correspond well with those simulated by the GEANT4 toolkit for …
Positron Microscopy Studies of Wear Tracks on a Copper Surface
Positron microscopy was used for studies of defects induced by ball indentation or sliding on the surface of well-annealed copper samples. A focused positron beam of 24.5-keV energy was used to scan the deformed region of the indenter impression, and measurements of the annihilation line parameter were performed. In the case of ball indentation, the measured defect distribution correlates well with the von Mises stress distribution of the Hertz contact and the von Mises yield criterion. For the wear track produced by pin on disc dry sliding, an asymmetric defect distribution near the wear track is observed. It indicates the presence of a tangential force that additionally deforms the sample.
Defects in Martensitic Stainless Steel 1.4031 (EN) Exposed to Friction as Seen by Positron Annihilation
We present experimental results of measurements of the Doppler broadening of annihilation line and positron annihilation lifetimes in martensitic stainless steel 1.4031 (EN) samples exposed to the dry sliding under different loads. In particular, we tested the subsurface zone under the worn surfaces. As a main result, we obtained information about the defect profiles in this zone and the total extent of the damage region induced by the dry sliding.
The Distribution of Slowing-Down Times of Positrons Emitted from <sup>22</sup>Na and <sup>68</sup>Ge\<sup>68</sup>Ga Isotopes into Metals
The results of the Monte Carlo simulation, using GEANT4 codes, of the slowing-down time prior to the thermalization in metals for positrons emitted from the 22Na and 68Ge\68Ga sources are presented. Due to the energy spectrum and probabilistic processes accompanying positrons traversing a medium the slowing-down time exhibits a distribution which has a long tail. Nevertheless, the average value of the time is ranged from 0.4 ps to 8 ps depending on the density of the medium as it is for the 22Na positrons. For positrons emitted from the 68Ga nucleus the average value of the slowing-down time increases and it is ranged from 1 ps to 20 ps.
Presentation of the DSIP method for study of recrystallization process in subsurface zone induced by sandblasting
In the paper we demonstrate the application of the positron annihilation experimental technique based on the scan of the positron implantation profile for observation of the recrystallization process in the subsurface zone (SZ). The SZ was created in the copper sample whose surface was exposed to a sandblasting treatment and then annealed at different temperatures. Application of 68Ge/68Ga positron source allows us to scan the depth of c.a. 150 μm. It was found that recrystallization goes faster close to the surface than in deeper regions. The complete rebuilding of the microstructure takes place at temperature of 600 °C. Some changes in the defect structure begin at temperature of 300 °C.
Various types of polysiloxanes studied by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy
Abstract In the work, linear poly(vinylsiloxanes) with regular distributions of vinyl groups along chains, the networks obtained by their hydrosilylation with various hydrogensiloxanes, products of pyrolysis of such networks as well as the networks prepared via reaction of low-molecular siloxanes have been studied by positron anihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS). Based on free volume sizes determined by this method, relations between cross-link densities in the investigated systems have been established. They have been compared with the results of swelling experiments conducted in the work and to efficiency of cross-linking reaction evaluated in our previous FTIR investigations of the s…
Recrystallization in subsurface zone seen by positron annihilation
Abstract The paper presents studies of the defect distribution, detected by the positron annihilation method in the subsurface zone (SZ) of copper samples after dry sliding wear. It takes advantage of a new experimental technique based on scanning of the positron implantation profile. It allowed us to detect the defect profile in copper to the depth of 200 μm in a nondestructive way and study isochronal annealing behavior of this profile. We determined that annealing induces a recrystallization process which runs faster close to the surface than in deeper regions. After sliding, the complete recrystallization of the substructure takes place at temperature c.a. 600 °C. Some changes in the de…