Long-lived Positronium and AGN Jets

TL;DR

This paper proposes that stable positronium states can form and persist in the relativistic jets of active galactic nuclei, potentially impacting our understanding of jet composition and physics.

Contribution

It introduces the novel idea that positronium can form and remain stable in AGN jets, which has not been previously considered in astrophysical models.

Findings

Positronium can form in AGN jet environments.

Stable positronium states can survive over large distances in jets.

Implications for jet composition and observational signatures.

Abstract

We suggest that stable states of positronium might exist in the jets of active galactic nuclei (AGN). Electrons and positrons are created near the accretion disks of supermassive black holes at the centers of AGN and are accelerated along magnetic field lines while within the {\sl Alfv\'en radius}. The conditions in this region are ideal for the creation of bound states of positronium which are stable against annihilation. Traveling at relativistic speeds along the jet, the helical magnetic field enables the atoms to survive for great distances.