A detailed overview of the physics of high-energy colliders emphasising the role of QCD.

A detailed introduction to the main topics in e +e - annihilation, with particular emphasis on experimental work. Invaluable to both graduate students studying high-energy physics & scientists entering the field.

In condensed matter initially fast positrons annihilate after having reached equi librium with the surroundings. The interaction of positrons with matter is governed by the laws of ordinary quantum mechanics. Field theory and antiparticle properties enter only in the annihilation process leading to the emergence of energetic photons. The monitoring of annihilation radiation by nuclear spectroscopic methods provides valuable information on the electron-positron system which can directly be related to the electronic structure of the medium. Since the positron is a positive electron its behavior in matter is especially interesting to solid-state and atomic physi cists. The small mass quarantees that the positron is really a quantum mechanical particle and completely different from any other particles and atoms. Positron physics started about 25 years ago but discoveries of new features in its interac tion with matter have maintained continuous interest and increasing activity in the field. Nowadays it is becoming part of the "stock-in-trade" of experimental physics.

The only critical discussion available on the chemistry of the two "strange" light particles, the positron and positronium, with much space devoted to the excess electron. Positron annihilation allows the investigation of many unusual phenomena in the reaction kinetics of the positron, positronium, and excess electron, and in radiation chemistry and physics, while also providing important information on defects in solids.

Positron Annihilation focuses on the process of positron annihilation in different environments. Partitioned into two parts with 42 chapters, the book contains the contributions of authors who have done research on the annihilation of positrons, which brought about valuable information on the properties of matter. The first part of the book deals with lengthy review articles, including a survey of the physics of positron annihilation; positron annihilation in metals and the theory involved in the process; and positron annihilation in alkali halides and ionic crystals. Positronium formation and interaction in gases, molecular substances, and ionic crystals are also given attention. Gaseous positronics and positron annihilation in condensed gases and liquids are also discussed. The second part of the book focuses on developments on positron annihilation and the direction of research on this field. The studies concentrate on positron annihilation in various crystals, metals, mercury, liquefied gases, helium, and metal oxides. Numerical representations and analyses are presented to support the processes involved. The book can best serve the interest of those who want to explore further the annihilation of positrons.

Volume is indexed by Thomson Reuters CPCI-S (WoS). The aim of this special collection is to present recent progress made, and reflect current ideas, in research fields where positron and positronium are involved. The contents cover a wide range of positron-related research topics; including both fundamental (theoretical calculations, radiation chemistry, hyperfine interactions, positronium physics and chemistry) and applied (metal, polymer, thin film and other materials, development of experimental techniques) aspects.