Industrial grade positron formation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the economic production of positrons, exploring methods such as particle accelerators and the processes involved in positron formation. Participants examine various techniques, efficiency calculations, and the implications of positron production in different contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that positrons can be produced by irradiating materials in a particle accelerator, referencing the process used for creating F-18.
  • Another participant describes the mechanism of positron production through pair creation when gamma rays strike a target, leading to the separation and thermalization of electron-positron pairs.
  • A question is raised about the feasibility of generating positrons by bombarding electrons on high atomic number materials like tungsten or lead, with a focus on the production of gamma rays that could facilitate pair creation.
  • A report is cited that details a method for generating positrons via energetic electrons stopped in a high-Z target, followed by moderation to produce a slow positron beam.
  • Participants inquire about the efficiency of the positron production method discussed, with references to calculations in the linked paper.
  • There is a humorous exchange regarding the concept of "industrial grade" versus "consumer grade" positrons, highlighting a playful tone amidst the technical discussion.
  • One participant expresses confusion about converting the predicted intensity of positron production into a percentage and seeks clarification on SI units and formulas.
  • A question is posed about the total mass of positrons generated in one hour, prompting a response that suggests using known values to calculate the answer.
  • Another participant expresses frustration over perceived misunderstandings regarding the production intensity and the relevance of educational background in particle physics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion contains multiple competing views and remains unresolved on several technical aspects, particularly regarding the efficiency and methods of positron production. Participants express differing levels of understanding and approaches to calculations, indicating a lack of consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific calculations and predictions from a linked paper, but there are unresolved questions about the assumptions and units involved in these calculations. The discussion also includes informal exchanges that may distract from the technical focus.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying particle physics, engineering applications of positron production, or anyone curious about the technical aspects of particle accelerators and positron generation methods.

skullcracker
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Is there any way to economically produce positrons using particle accelerators or any other method?
 
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Sure. Just irradiate some material ina particle accelerator that would become a positron emitter. Look up the process for creating F-18.
 
The accelerators typically produce positrons by letting a beam of gamma rays strike a target. This creates electron-positron pairs, which are then separated and thermalized.
 
ok so is it possible to form positrons by bombarding electrons on a material (tungsten or lead - because of its high atomic no.)? because electrons on colliding with other electrons basically produce x rays which are basically low energy gamma raysso these gamma rays can produce positron electron pairs
 
Here's a report on a positron source that does it that way:

"Positrons are generated via pair creation when energetic electrons are stopped in a high-Z target, the electron-positron converter. These positrons are then moderated, i.e. slowed to thermal energies, via interaction with a suitable material such as tungsten, and a slow positron beam produced."

http://arxiv.org/abs/1102.1220
 
what would be the efficiency of this method?
 
It's in the paper that Bill_K pointed you to. It's even in the abstract. We can point you to papers, but you have to read them yourself.
 
Reading the thread title, my first question was
So positrons come in different grades?

I'll take 36 industrial grade positrons and 204 consumer grade positrons if you please! ;)
 
Prime, choice, select, standard, commercial, cutter and canner. (Mmmm...utility grade positrons)

And nuclei come in sizes small, medium, large, extra large, jumbo, giant, colossal and super colossal.
 
  • #10
Vanadium 50 said:
...And nuclei come in sizes small, medium, large, extra large, jumbo, giant, colossal and super colossal.
So that's the REAL reason for the "non commuting c-numbers"! It's a promotional gimmick!

SUPER-SIZE ME!
 
  • #11
can anyone express the efficiency in billi_k's link in terms of percentage?
 
  • #12
I'm sure they can. Where are you getting stuck in the calculation?
 
  • #13
ummm.. at the beginning the calculation was a bit complicated
 
  • #14
Show us how far you got, please.
 
  • #15
ok so the abstract said "For an electron beam energy of 5 MeV (10 MeV) and current 240 $\mu$A (30 $\mu$A) production of a slow positron beam of intensity 5 $\times$ 10$^{6}$ s$^{-1}$ is predicted. The simulation also calculates the average energy deposited in the converter per electron, allowing an estimate of the beam heating at a given electron energy and current. For low energy, high-current operation the maximum obtainable positron beam intensity will be limited by this beam heating."

however i could not get the SI unit so can anyone tell me the SI unit as well as the formula for converting this unit into percentage
 
  • #16
Can anyone tell me how many grams of positrons would be generated in one hour?
 
  • #17
skullcracker said:
production of a slow positron beam of intensity 5 $\times$ 10$^{6}$ s$^{-1}$ is predicted.
skullcracker said:
Can anyone tell me how many grams of positrons would be generated in one hour?
Skullcracker, if you know how many positrons are created in one second, then you know how many seconds are in one hour, and you know what is positron mass (if you don't - wiki it), then you should be able to answer your question yourself. If not, ask your 3rd grade primary school ma'am for help.
 
  • #18
xts u dint get the question i wanted to know what 'production of a slow positron beam of intensity 5 $\times$ 10$^{6}$ s$^{-1}$ is predicted.'meant and i don't think third grade teachers would be teaching particle physics
 
  • #19
We're done here.
 

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