Who discovered positron annihilation?

TL;DR

This paper argues that Theodor Heiting, not commonly credited, was the true discoverer of positron annihilation, based on historical publication analysis and interpretation of experimental results.

Contribution

It provides a historical re-evaluation claiming Theodor Heiting's priority in discovering positron annihilation, challenging established credit attribution.

Findings

Heiting's publications predate others' claims

Heiting's experimental results support his discovery claim

Historical analysis reassigns discovery credit to Heiting

Abstract

In the early 1930s, the positron, pair production, and, at last, positron annihilation were discovered. Over the years, several scientists - commonly, Thibaud and Joliot - have been credited with the discovery of the annihilation radiation. A conversation between Werner Heisenberg and Theodor Heiting prompted me to examine relevant publications, when these were submitted and published, and how experimental results were interpreted in the relevant articles. I argue that it was Theodor Heiting - usually not mentioned at all in relevant publications - who discovered positron annihilation, and that he should receive proper credit.