Towards the formation of a positronium coherent beam

TL;DR

This paper proposes a novel method to generate a highly coherent, monoenergetic positronium beam using negative Ps ions and laser techniques, facilitating future gravitational experiments with Ps.

Contribution

It introduces a new approach combining electron LINAC, laser ionization, and Monte Carlo simulations to produce a coherent Ps beam for fundamental physics research.

Findings

Monte Carlo simulations estimate Ps beam characteristics

Laser techniques can selectively remove extra electrons from Ps

The method supports future Ps gravity measurement experiments

Abstract

Positronium (Ps) has emerged as a promising test particle within the QUPLAS collaboration for investigating the gravitational effect. In this work, we present a novel approach to generate a monoenergetic and highly coherent Ps beam by creating a negative Ps ion (Ps$^-$, consisting of two electrons and one positron). The necessary positron beam is formed by using a high flux electron LINAC. Subsequently, we utilize a Fabry-Perot IR laser cavity operating at a wavelength of 1560 nm to selectively remove the extra electron. An alternative pulsed laser operating at a 3600 nm wavelength was studied to reduce broadening due to recoil and excitation. Here, we provide a Monte Carlo simulation to estimate the characteristics of the Ps beam, including its energy distribution and intensity profiles. The results obtained from this study will provide essential groundwork for future advancements in fundamental studies as Ps gravity measurements by using a Mach-Zehnder interferometer.