Gemini Preprint #2


A Search for Infrared Positronium Line Emission from the Great Annihilator near the Galactic Centre

P. J. Puxley
Gemini 8m Telescopes Project, 950 N. Cherry Ave., Tucson AZ 85719

G. K. Skinner
School of Physics & Space Research, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.

Abstract.

The region around the compact source of 511keV gamma rays near the Galactic Centre (the "great annihilator") has been surveyed for the positronium recombination line emission expected to be produced by positron-electron systems before annihilation. The search was performed using the CGS4 spectrometer on UKIRT and centered on the 2.18µm line which is analogous to the Paschen gamma transition of hydrogen. Upper limits to the line flux and positron production rate are given.

Appears in the proceedings of the CTIO/ESO joint workshop on "The Galactic Center" (La Serena, 1996).

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Ruth A. Kneale / web@gemini.edu / November 15, 1996