Stabilization and Long-term Confinement of Atomic Positronium

The objective of this proposal is to demonstrate the feasibility of storing large numbers of antielectrons, or positons, for long periods of time. Antimatter has the largest specific energy known to humankind, i.e. 180 MJ/microgram. An ordnance packagecontaining micrograms of positrons stored for days would comprise an extremely powerful, lethal and revolutionary weapon. We will investigate techniques for forming and stabilizing atomic positronium, a bound quantum state of an electron and positron. Thiswill include passing a beam of atomic positronium through crossed magnetic and electric fields. We will also investigate technologies for confining large collections of stabilized positronium atoms, including laser levitation and cooling of these atoms.Other technologies may be investigated as work progresses. The deliverable will be a Final Report which includes desriptions of systems, costs and construction details.A low mass system capable of holding hundreds of MJ's of energy for long periods of timehas many potential commercial advantages. Among these in the aviation sector is a Positron Energy Conversion (PEC) ramjet or turbojet, with the capability of extended flight (up to 30 days) and range (transcontinental). Applications include weathersurveys, population, agriculture and pollution studies, and land and marine assays.