Photon-induced positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy using an S-band compact electron linac

A new photon-induced positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy approach has been developed using an S-band compact electron linac at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST). The high energy (<42MeV), intense (105 photons pulse−1), and ultra-short pulse (3 ps pulse width) photon beam creates positrons throughout an entire sample via pair production. A positron lifetime spectrum can be obtained by measuring the time difference between the accelerator's RF frequency and the detection time of the annihilation gamma rays. The positron lifetimes for lead and yttria-stabilized zirconia samples have been successfully measured.

► Photon-induced positron annihilation lifetime spectrometer has been developed. ► Defect analysis for thick materials is possible by using our spectrometer. ► The positron lifetime for a lead and a YSZ has been successfully measured.