Dependence of ortho-positronium pick-off annihilation lifetime on free volume in organic molecular liquids calculated by Kincaid Eyring method, and positronium bubble formation

Sizes of free volume were quantitatively calculated for 42 organic liquids by means of the Kincaid and Eyring method. The results were discussed in relation to the pick-off annihilation lifetime of ortho-positronium in molecular liquids. The presence of strong correlation was found between them, this fact made us conclude that the free volume size was the most essential physical parameter, which determines the pick-off annihilation rate of ortho-positronium. The problem that the calculated free volume was too small for the existence of ortho-positronium could be eliminated by the equilibristic formation of a bubble around ortho-positronium. Correlation was shown between the free volume radii and bubble radii. Our discussion will likely apply to a wider area for the analysis of empirical data on pick-off rate of ortho-positronium in organic liquids and to the experimental investigation of the pick-off process of ortho-positronium annihilation.