SBIR/STTR Research Award
Stabilization and Long Term Confinement of Atomic Positronium
Award amount
$742,279Program and phase
SBIR · Phase IIAward year
2002Award details
- Awarding agency
- Department of Defense
- Branch
- Air Force
- Recipient company
- POSITRONICS RESEARCH LLC
- Proposal award date
- Not reported
- Contract end date
- Not reported
- UEI
- Not reported
- Solicitation number
- Not reported
- Topic code
- Not reported
Research abstract
The objective of this proposal is to store large numbers of positronium atoms, bound quantum states of electrons and positrons, for long periods of time. Antimatter has the largest specific energy known to humankind, i.e. 180 MJ/microgram. An ordnancepackage containing micrograms of positrons stored for days would comprise an extremely powerful, lethal and revolutionary weapon. We will fabricate, test, and operate a nanoscale experiment for forming and stabilizing atomic positronium, as a step towardsmicrogram storage of positrons. This will involve a cryo-magnetic system and nanochips or optical lattice. Passing a beam of atomic positronium through the resulting crossed magnetic and electric fields will provide stability. The deliverables willconsist of the storage system hardware and a Final Report that includes descriptions of system operation and the nanochips with experimental data.
Technology keywords
Not reported