Single-quantum annihilation of positrons with shell-bound atomic electrons

The single-quantum annihilation of positrons has been studied experimentally with a positron beam and a thin lead target, at energies 1 MeV and higher. Spectral peaks corresponding to the K, L, and M shells have been resolved and observed distinctly for the first time. The shell ratios L/K and M/K have been determined. An analysis of the L peak has yielded the (LII+LIII)/L ratio. The first measurements of the directional distributions of the annihilation quanta of the three individual electron shells are also reported. The results are in agreement with theory. They also point out the potential for applying the phenomena to the development of a tunable, highly directional gamma-ray source.