Positronium Storage Ring

The objective of this proposal is to design a neutral atom, stabilized positronium storage ring for accumulation of at least 10^15 atoms for periods of days or longer. The design will parallel as much as possible recent developments in storage of neutralatoms with permanent electric dipole moments. Radial confinement on the atom is based on the force exerted on an electric dipole in an inhomogeneous electric field. Since the stabilized positronium atom is expected to have a very large electric dipolemoment, quite modest electric field gradients appear to be feasible. The circular ring will be enclosed in a magnetic solenoid, which provides one of the ingredients required for stability in addition to the electric field. All technical aspects of thering, including mechanical design, vacuum, electric and magnetic fields, injection, extraction, controls, diagnostics, data acquisition, and systems tests will be considered. The deliverable will be a final technical report that includes a description ofthe storage ring, computer-based verification and validation results, detailed specifications and drawings. A low-mass system capable of holding hundreds of MJ's of energy for long periods of time has many potential commercial applications. Among thesein the aviation sector is a positronium-powered ramjet or turbojet, with the capability of extended flight (up to thirty days) and range (transcontinental). Related applications include weather surveys, population, agriculture and pollution studies, andland and marine assays. In addition, positrons are an established tool for investigation of material surfaces, especially semiconductors and polymers. Our system will be capable of providing abundant and portables supplies of positrons, resulting inextraordinary energy and spatial resolution applied to these annual multi-billion dollar industries.