Low-energy positron–helium convergent close coupling calculations

The convergent close coupling method has been applied to positron-helium scattering for energies below the positronium formation threshold (17.8 eV). Convergence is studied as a function of the Laguerre basis size. Rapid convergence to the accurate phase shifts given by Van Reeth and Humberston (1999 J. Phys. B: At. Mol. Opt. Phys. 32 3651-67) is demonstrated. The resultant cross sections are in excellent agreement with the experimental data of Stein et al (1978 Phys. Rev. A17 1600-8) and Mizogawa et al (1985 Phys. Rev. A 31 2171-9).