o-Positronium scattering off H and He

Abstract

Exploiting an approach similar to the R-matrix theory, the diffusion Monte Carlo method is employed to compute phase shifts and threshold cross sections for the elastic scattering of o-positronium off light atoms. Results are obtained for Ps-H and Ps-He as representative cases of open and closed shell targets. The method allows for an exact treatment of both correlation and exchange interactions, and represents the most promising approach to deal with these effects in more complicated targets. In particular the Ps-He threshold cross section, computed in a many body framework for the first time, represents a standard by which past and future numerical and experimental estimates can be judged.