Momentum density measurements by positron annihilation in metals and alloys; Recent experiments with a multicounter two-dimensional angular correlation apparatus

The technique of positron annihilation as applied to the study of momentum densities and Fermi surfaces is reviewed. The angular correlation of the two annihilation photons is directly related to the momentum distribution of the positron-electron system; breaks in this distribution reveal the size and shape of the Fermi surface. After a general introduction to the theory and the experimental techniques used, the results yielding various features of the fermi surface in high concentration disordered alloys are reviewed, and are compared with theoretical predictions. A new multicounter two-dimensional correlation apparatus is described and results in several solids are presented.