Positron annihilation in gamma irradiated crystals

The angular correlation between the two gamma-quanta arising from positron annihilation in untreated and gamma-irradiated alkali halides is reported. For low level gamma irradiation the percentage of positrons annihilating with F-centre electrons is not very significant. When the F-centre concentration is increased to as much as 1.5 × 10¹⁷ per cm³, about 15 per cent of positrons annihilate with F-centre electrons. The angular correlation curve becomes progressively narrower with increase in F-centre concentration. Positrons annihilating in gamma-irradiated crystals reduce the F-centre considerably. The results of a systematic investigation on F-centre bleaching by positron annihilation are reported.