Bound states of positrons and neutral atoms

We use many-body perturbation theory to examine the interaction of positrons with atoms. Our calculations predict positron s-type bound states with binding energies 0.87, 0.23, 0.35, and 0.045 eV for Mg, Zn, Cd, and Hg atoms, respectively. This binding is due to the positron-atom polarization potential and virtual positronium formation. A simple criterion is used to find other atoms that are likely to form bound states with positrons. Among the most probable candidates are Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Zr, Nb, and Mo.