Abstract
Positron lifetime and angular correlation measurements have been made on the plastic crystal succinonitrile. They confirm the phase transition at 234 ± 1 K. In the plastic phase the average orthopositronium lifetime increases with temperature and saturates at the highest temperatures. This is interpreted as orthopositronium trapping in thermally created defects, probably vacancies. A defect formation energy of 0.36 ± 0.1 eV is deduced. This is lower than predicted values of the vacancy formation energy.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Physical Review Letters |
Volume | 43 |
Issue number | 19 |
Pages (from-to) | 1407-1410 |
ISSN | 0031-9007 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1979 |