A Method to Measure Positron Beam Polarization Using Optically Polarized Atoms

Abstract

We outline an experimental technique for measuring the degree of polarization of a positron beam using an optically pumped, spin-polarized Rb target. The technique is based on the production and measurement of the ortho- and para-positronium fractions through positron collisions with the Rb atoms as a function of their polarization. Using realistic estimates for the cross sections and experimental parameters involved, we estimate that a polarization measurement with an uncertainty of 3% of the measured value can be achieved in an hour.

Keywords

• positron
• positronium
• polarization
• optical pumping
• helicity