Positron annihilation in alkali halides at low temperatures

We report on low-temperature positron studies for pure, single crystals of the alkali halides KCl, NaCl and NaF. Strong temperature dependences are observed in the lifetime and angular correlation measurements in the temperature range 10-300 K. Delocalized para-positronium is observed at low temperatures in the three crystals. The broadening, with rising temperature, of the narrow peak in the angular correlation curve can be accounted for by the self-trapping model of positronium. The results are discussed in the light of this model, in terms of positronium localization at imperfections and in terms of positron interactions with imperfections created in the spur of the positron. The increased positronium formation with temperature is viewed as an enhanced escape probability of the excess electrons from sinks competing with positronium formation.