Positronium microwave spectroscopy using Ramsey interferometry

Abstract

Abstract We describe an experimental arrangement suitable for performing microwave spectroscopy measurements of the positronium (Ps) $$n=2$$ n = 2 fine structure using Ramsey interferometry. Simulations are presented concerning the production of energetic $$2\,^3S_1$$ 2 3 S 1 Ps atoms from a Xe gas cell, and their subsequent interactions with a pair of waveguides in which coherent microwave radiation fields are applied. We conclude that for realistic experimental parameters, optimized using a Monte Carlo simulation, a gas cell length of 10 cm with a gas pressure of 0.5 Pa and a positron beam energy of 40 eV, count rates on the order of 50 Hz should be possible. Graphical abstract