Positron spectroscopy of solids

This research line addresses material properties related to the presence of cavities having nanometric or subnanometric sizes. The main experimental tool adopted by the group is Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy (PAS). This technique is specific for detecting and studying nanometric and subnanometric cavities in solids. The sensitivity of PAS to open volumes is very high; in a metal a single missing atom over a million is sufficient to give a clearly detectable signal. Detailed information can be obtained, including: size of open volumes, their concentration and spatial distribution, chemical nature of the hole environment. The research line is organised as one single group.